TWO renowned Army bands and an award-winning North-East choir will join forces for a charity concert next weekend.

The event, called the Very Special Concert, will see the Normandy Band of the Queen's Division and the King's Division Waterloo Band perform alongside the Tees Valley Youth Choir and members of local choral societies.

It will be held in Darlington's Dolphin Centre on Saturday night, and will replace the Last Night of the Proms in the town for 2006, as the venue is to be refurbished later in the year.

Proceeds from the concert - sponsored by The Northern Echo and Darlington Operatic Society - will benefit local charities St Teresa's Hospice and Darlington Mind.

The event has been created by the Music for Darlington group, which organises the Proms concerts in the town each May.

Jane Bradshaw, director of St Teresa's Hospice and a Music for Darlington member, said: "The two famous bands, who have usually played for alternate years at the Proms, have literally rallied the troops and we can now offer this extremely rare opportunity to see them both together.

"The Tees Valley Youth Choir have supported many local charities and we were delighted when they agreed to help by forming the core choir.

"As usual, local groups have also volunteered to make sure we have a large massed choir.

"All we need now is our lovely audience."

The concert will start at 7pm, and tickets are available at Williams Music in Darlington, the Dolphin Centre, or from St Teresa's Hospice on (01325) 254321.