ONE of Britain's leading brass band musicians is being given star billing at a celebrity concert.

Cornet player Ian Porthouse, a member of the world famous Fairey Brass Band, from Lancashire, will be the guest soloist at a concert being staged by Stanhope Silver Band on Saturday, January 24.

The Fairey band are the current national brass band champions.

Stanhope Silver Band's conductor, Steve Robson, said: "It's a bit of a musical coup getting a player's of Ian Porthouse's stature to play with us. We are very pleased."

The concert will be staged at Stanhope Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Tickets at £4 for adults, £3.50 concessions and £2 for children are available from band members or Steve Robson on (01388) 537229.