TICKETS are on sale for an outdoor music extravaganza in the North-East.

Picnic in the Park will take place in the grounds of Hurworth Grange Community Centre, Hurworth, near Darlington, on Saturday, July 7.

It has been organised by Hurworth Community Association and Durham Federation of Women's Institutes.

Performing at the event, which is being supported by The Northern Echo and Alpha 103.2FM, are soprano Suzannah Clarke and harpist Kate Wilson.

They will be joined by Tees Valley Youth Orchestra and Tees Valley Brass Band.

The event, sponsored by D K Kitchens in Darlington, will be compered by Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, and BBC reporter/presenter Jim Knight.

Picnic in the Park organisers are hoping to attract at least 1,000 people to the event.

"There hasn't been an outdoor event like this in this area before, and we are hoping that the weather is good and that as many people as possible come on the evening," said Ian Fletcher, manager at Hurworth Grange.

Tickets bought in advance cost £10. They can be obtained from Hurworth Grange Community Centre on (01325) 720840, or Williams music shop in Blackwellgate, Darlington. Telephone (01325) 466224.

People will also be able to pay at the gate on the evening, with tickets priced at £12.