FUNDS have been donated towards a prestigious music contest which will select bands to represent the region on the national stage.

Around 40 bands will compete in The North of England Brass Band Championships at The Gala Theatre, in Durham City, on March 11 and 12.

Hugh Stephenson, regional chairman, thanked supporters including councils and unions for donating money towards the running costs of the event.

Mr Stephenson said: “The costs of staging such an event are immense and are growing each year.

"The kind donations from parish and town councils together with help from unions Unison and Unite help to ease the financial burden and are very much appreciated."

The contest at Durham is one of eight organised across Britain at which the bands placed first and second in each of the five sections qualify to represent the North of England at the National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain held in Cheltenham and the Royal Albert Hall, London, later in the year.

Mr Stephenson recently attended meetings of Brandon and Byshottles Parish Council, where he received £500 from chairman Councillor Susan Nelson, and was presented with a cheque for £200 from Spennymoor Town Council, by Town Mayor Councillor Derek Taylor.