DURHAM'S mayor will enjoy a rocking good night thanks to a civic-minded local band.

Northern Haze play classic pop of the 1960s and also write their own material.

They offered their services to Councillor Ray Gibbon, whose charity appeal is for the Durham Volunteer Bureau, and will be playing in the Town Hall on Saturday.

The band hope to have their first CD ready for the gig.

They won the chance to record and have 100 CDs pressed in The Big Chance competition run by The Northern Echo's music website Revolution.

The band, who specialise in harmonies, have been going for several years.

They have residencies at Newcastle's Lennons and St Pepper's bars.

Guitarist James Haselhurst said: "We will be doing some original stuff to get people warmed up then launch into the 1960s stuff.

"The mayor has seen us before. We are really looking forward to it. It should be a nice occasion.''

James - the other band members are Ian Anderson, Martin Said and Craig Oxberry - said: "Hopefully, we can launch the CD on the night.''

The event, from 7.30pm to 11.30pm, will also feature a disco by DJ Regan and a pie and peas supper.

Coun Gibbon said: "They are a good band and nice lads.

"I have heard them before. I like that type of music and I'm amazed how many people like the sounds of the 1960s and surprised how many young people like it.''

Tickets cost £5 and are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Millennium Place, Claypath.