A BRASS band has been given £1,000 by councillors to help it celebrate the year 2000.

Ferryhill Brass Band is celebrating the millennium by producing a compact disc and tape of music, which they recorded at the weekend.

the band have also reached the finals of the national Brass Band Competition, earning a place to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, in London, in October.

The £1,000 donation from Ferryhill Town Council will help cover the costs of the year's activities.

Eric Schlosser, band secretary, said: "We are very grateful for the support of the town council.