TEESSIDE's Proms in the Park 2000 has been met with a chorus of approval from businesses in the Tees Valley.

The outdoor classical music concert, set for August 26, is receiving sponsorship from some of the region's leading businesses, including Darlington Building Society, BP Amoco CATS terminal at Seal Sands, Eversheds, Barclaycard, Merill Lynch, and Tees Valley TEC.

Other companies are supporting the event by arranging corporate entertainment and buying top-class hampers offered by the organisers.

Mowlem Engineering Projects is singing the praises of the event for alfresco corporate entertainment.

"Proms in the Park is a first-class entertainment opportunity for clients," said Tony Williams, business development manager at Mowlem. "It's great being amongst the crowd, soaking up the whole Proms atmosphere, but the excellent hampers make the occasion extra special.

"Our guests have thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the previous years and I'm sure they will enjoy this year just as much."

Mike Cottingham, chief executive of Tees Valley Tomorrow, the group overseeing the event, said: "The support of our sponsors is vital to the ongoing success of Proms in the Park. Without their assistance the Tees Valley's most prestigious summer event would not be able to take place."

The hampers include a sumptuous menu prepared by Northallerton delicatessen, Lewis & Cooper.

Businesses interested in corporate entertainment packages should contact Rachel Smith on (01642) 866866.

lThe event will feature three British tenors and Northern Sinfonia. It will be in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough. Ring (01642) 242561 for tickets.