A BRASS band enthusiast has turned his hobby into a business by opening a new music shop.

Brian Yates, a euphonium player with Spennymoor Town Band, has launched Added Brass, selling instruments, accessories, music and gifts.

The 57-year-old got into brass as a child, playing cornet with the now-defunct Langley Park Colliery Band, where his father was also a member.

After years away, he returned to the brass scene 12 years ago when his son Tom took up the cornet.

They both played for Langley Park, Sacriston and Craghead before joining Spennymoor seven years ago.

Mr Yates Junior became the band’s principal cornet player and his father is now the secretary, as well as vice-chairman of the Northern Regional Brass Band Trust, a charity which promotes brass in the region.

Mr Yates, 57, opened Added Brass having sold at trade events for some time.

He said: "We’re the only brass shop in the modern boundaries of County Durham.

“I thought there must be a niche there, given the brass heritage in the area."

The shop, at 17 High Street South, Langley Moor, near Durham, is open Monday to Friday 5pm to 7pm and Saturdays, 10am to 5pm.

An open day with special offers will be held on Saturday, January 25, from noon to 4pm.