A renowned concert musician gave a North-East music society's magnificent new piano its first public airing on Friday.

Anglo-Australian pianist Piers Lane was the first person to perform on Bishop Auckland Music Society's £43,000 Steinway piano, in the Throne Room at Auckland Castle, County Durham.

Mr Lane, who has played in more than 40 countries and is a well-known radio broadcaster, gave the recital to a sell-out audience of 200.

The piano was delivered to the castle last November after the society was awarded grants from the Northern Arts Regional Lottery Fund and Foundation for Sports and Arts.

The society raised the balance, helped by a £200 contribution from Wear Valley District Council, to buy what is considered one of the world's finest instruments.

Chairman John Foulds said the society was thrilled Mr Lane accepted the invitation to give the Steinway its debut with a selection of pieces by Haydn, Schubert, Liszt, Bartok, Debussy and Chopin.

He said: "The Steinway is a tremendous asset to the society and will help us attract more great musicians like Piers in the future.

"He is a wonderful performer and charming gentleman which is wonderful for intimate concerts like ours, particularly a special one like Friday."

Mr Lane said: "Having a high quality piano can make the difference between a good concert and great concert. My heart sinks if I sit at a piano and it goes thud.

"The Steinway is a beautiful instrument and very easy to play. The castle is lovely place to play but this piano will certainly be an additional attraction to other artists."