FERRYHILL Town Band are celebrating after becoming the first winners of a brass band competition.

Bands from Trimdon, Felling, Marske, Dunston and Billingham took part in the competition in Stockton High Street, doing musical battle to claim the Mayor's Trophy.

Ferryhill took first place with 89 points, ahead of Felling on 86 points, with Billingham third on 85 points.

The event was a triumph for Tommy Maddison, in only his second contest as conductor of the Ferryhill band.

His daughter, Melissa, was playing cornet for the band during the competition.

Spokesman and trombone player Peter Atkinson said: "There were a couple of bands which are in higher sections than us and we beat them, so it was a really good win."

The event was rounded off with a performance by Tees Valley Youth Brass Band, featuring members as young as 11, who had only joined three weeks earlier.

The Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Jean O'Donnell, said: "This was a very successful event. There is something about brass band music that is truly uplifting and the bands delighted the crowd with their talent.

"It was a pity we were not able to control the weather but, despite the wind and occasional spots of drizzle, the crowds stayed all day and everyone had a good time."