PLANS for a brass band competition have been dropped because of a lack of interest.

The Ferryhill 2000 Committee had hoped to attract some of the region's top bands for a competition next month.

But letters sent to local businesses seeking sponsors failed to get a response and no pub landlords attended a liaison meeting.

A report to the committee said: "At present there are only eight definite bands attending the competition, with a potential four other possibly taking part.

"This would not be sufficient numbers to make the competition viable."

Committee members agreed to postpone the event until next year when sponsorship and dates can be notified to businesses and bands at an earlier time.