ORGANISERS of an outdoor musical event have been given a helping hand in promoting the event by Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds.

Picnic in the Park, at Hurworth Grange, in Hurworth, will take place on Saturday, July 6, with tenor Ian Storey heading the bill.

Mr Reynolds has agreed to put the details of the event on a huge magnetic board outside the club's new stadium to advertise the concert.

The space has been given free of charge.

Now, the thousands of motorists driving along the A66 Darlington bypass and on Neasham Road every hour will learn about the event, which is being organised by Hurworth Community Association and the Durham Federation of Women's Institutes.

Ian Fletcher, centre manager, said: "On behalf of Hurworth Community Association and the Women's Institute, we would like to thank Darlington Football Club and, in particular, Mr George Reynolds, for his co-operation and help in advertising the event."

The event will be compered by Hurworth residents Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, and BBC TV reporter Jim Knight.

Tickets cost £10 in advance, or £14 on the night for adults. Children aged five to 15 will be charged £6 in advance, or £5 at the gate.

Tickets are available from Williams Music Shop, in Blackwellgate, Darlington, on (01325) 466224, Hurworth Grange on (01325) 720840, the WI at 51/52 Crossgate, Durham, on 0191-384 2041, and from Darlington Tourist Information Centre.

* Mr Reynolds and his wife, Susan, will officially open the Jubilee flower festival at All Saints' Church, Hurworth, at 8pm tomorrow.