A WORLD-RENOWNED brass band is to perform in the region at an event to raise money for hospices.

It has taken more than two years for a County Durham rotary club to obtain the services of the Grimethorpe UK Coal Band.

The concert, at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Saturday, April 20 at 7pm, is scheduled between a performance at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, in London, and a month-long tour of Australia.

All profits will go to the Butterwick Hospices in Stockton and Bishop Auckland and St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington.

The band have recently retained the National Mineworkers Championship for the 20th consecutive year and are the new Brass in Concert champions.

Tickets for the North-East performance are available from Barry Hutchinson, 24 Westmorland Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4LP, priced at £10, £7.50 and £5.

Cheques should be made payable to The Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe. Further details are available from (01325) 311453.