A BRASS band will be making a 1,344-mile round trip to take part in a competition in the North-East.

The Jag Mount Charles Band, from St Austell, Cornwall, will compete against an otherwise northern line-up in the Bands in Concert Championships, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, County Durham, on Sunday.

And to make the most of their long trip, the 30-strong Cornish band will be joining Stanhope Silver Band for a double bill concert on the eve of the championships.

"The idea was to lay on something special for the Cornish band and their friends," said Steve Robson, conductor of the Stanhope band. "We have arranged this concert at the last moment. It's been a bit of a rush, but we are sure it will be a big success."

The Jag Mount Charles Band is rated among the best in the UK. Apart from being Cornish champions, they are also winners of the South-West Somerset and Pontins titles.

The double bill concert is being staged at Stanhope Town Hall on Saturday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £3 for adults and £1.50 for children and are available from Woodhall's fruiterers on Front Street, Stanhope, or from Steve Robson on (01388) 537229.