A CORPORAL in the RAF has won financial support for the school band he played with almost a decade ago.

Corporal Steve Johnson has secured a sponsorship deal between the RAF and Tudhoe Grange School Band, which will see the youngsters wearing an impressive new uniform.

The RAF agreed to donate 130 white polo shirts, each embroidered with the band and RAF logos, for the musicians to wear when they tour or perform.

Cpl Johnson, 29, is now a recruiter at the Armed Forces Careers Office in Newcastle but grew up in Spennymoor.

He took part in overseas tours to Copenhagen, Germany, Slovakia, Italy and Denmark with the school band while he was a pupil.

He told the school's musical director Adrian Biddulph that because he remembered those times with great affection, he wanted to support the 100-strong band, which has made several successful recordings and enjoyed competition success across the country.

Mr Biddulph said: "The pupils are overwhelmed by the RAF's generosity and kindness.

"It was vital from day one of the band, 25 years ago, that we had a professional approach, not only to music, but visual presentation in this country and touring abroad.

"This extra smart uniform will be great for on tour especially, and it helps every player feel part of something really special."

The band will hold its annual concert alongside The Reg Vardy Band at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Saturday ,May 20, at 7pm.