A GROUP of talented musicians from schools in Ferryhill are preparing for a trip to France.

The trip represents a huge step forward for Ferryhill Comprehensive School's music department since its revival in 1999 with the arrival of music teacher John Hall.

This week he is taking a selection of musicians from the comprehensive school and Deerness Valley School to Boulogne, in Northern France.

The trip will involve the musicians performing a small concert for tourists visiting the Bagatelle theme park and sees the band performing before their first foreign audience.

Mr Hall said he believed the musicians were more than up to the challenge and were looking forward to it with enthusiasm.

On their arrival in France the students will spend some time sightseeing and stay the night in the Etap Hotel, in Boulogne, before embarking on their big day.

After the performance the students will enjoy full access to the theme park.

Mr Hall said: "I believe more than anything else that this trip will raise the profile of the band dramatically and I am hoping it will influence more students to become involved."