INTERNATIONAL music stars are lining up to take part in the North-East's own version of the Last Night of the Proms.

Opera singers such as Graeme Danby, Valerie Reid and Bethany Halliday will be appearing at the Northern Proms when it arrives at the Riverside cricket ground, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on Saturday, August 16.

Bethany, who will be seven months pregnant when she appears, has worked with the English National Opera and British Youth Opera.

Performing alongside the opera stars at the open air event will be the Lemington Male Voice Choir and the Redemption Jazz Quintet. Chester-le-Street's own Riverside Band will be conducted by guest conductor Major Peter Parks, who has directed military and brass bands for more than 100 albums.

People can hire seats on the Riverside's terrace or take along their tables and picnic rugs to sit on the grass.

The evening will conclude in traditional Last Night of the Proms style, with Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and the National Anthem followed by a fireworks finale.

Tickets are available from the Durham Cricket Club hotline on 0191-387 5151 and are priced £20 for adults and £10 for under-16s when booked in advance. Family tickets for two adults and three children are available for £50.

Hospitality packages, which includes a meal and luxury seating for the concert are also available, for £45, by ringing Julie Harrison on 0191-3871717 ext 2839.