A SCHOOL band is in rehearsals for its biggest concert of the year.

Tudhoe Grange School Concert Band, in Spennymoor, will take to the stage alongside one of the region's top brass bands next month.

Spennymoor Leisure Centre will host the band's annual concert with The Reg Vardy Band, on Saturday, May 21, at 7pm.

In the past year, the Tudhoe Grange band has produced its tenth CD, Musicians with Attitude, and its Big Band won the schools' section of the Sunderland University Jazz Festival.

The Reg Vardy Band came third in last year's National Championships at the Albert Hall - the highest-ever placing for a North-East band. They have been invited to the World Brass Band Championships, in Holland this June.

Tickets, priced £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, are available from Tudhoe Grange Lower School, on Durham Road, or the leisure centre on (01388) 815827.