A FUNDRAISING concert is being held next month at the Bowes Museum.

The Darlington Clarinet Ensemble will perform at the museum, near Barnard Castle, on Saturday, July 2, at 7.30pm.

The ensemble features players from throughout the North-East playing all sizes of clarinet from the small high-pitched E-flat clarinet to the low contra bass.

The evening's programme will feature music by Corelli, Brahms and Mendelssohn as well as arrangements of popular classics, including Gershwin's Porgy and Bess.

The concert is being organised in aid of Teesdale Ladies Lifeboat Guild.

Jeff Lynn, the chairman of the Music at the Bowes Group, said: "This is the fifth concert in our programme for 2005 and we are delighted to be hosting this musical celebration and at the same time supporting a local charity.

"We hope that people will come along to lend their support to this worthwhile cause, enjoy a free glass of wine and have a good evening out."

The concert is sponsored by Williams Music Group.

Tickets cost £12 (£10 for Friends of the Bowes) and are available from The Friends Office, the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP, or by ringing (01833) 690606, extension 233.

Admission is free for under-16s, who must be accompanied by an adult.