A BRASS band will be able to buy much needed instruments, thanks to a National Lottery grant.

Trimdon Concert Brass Band has been awarded £30,000 by the Arts Council of England from National Lottery funds.

The band is currently using instruments supplied by the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) to Thornley Colliery Band, as they used to be called, back in 1974.

Now the band is trying to raise an extra £15,000 to complete the project for instruments.

Secretary Dennis Jordan said: "The competition to get National Lottery funding was very tough.

"The grant was gratefully received, but the band still has a challenge to raise another £15,000 for the capital project and any contribution, however small, towards this sum will be most welcome."

On completion of the capital project, CISWO has given permission for the band to lend its instruments to local schools so children can learn how to play.

Mr Jordan said: "We feel that this demonstrates our strong commitment to training young people who are key to ensuring the band's continued survival and success in the 21st Century."

Anyone who would like to make a contribution to the band can contact Dennis Jordan on (01429) 880285.