AN acclaimed North-East brass band is to strike up a tune in Germany next week.

Chester-le-Street Riverside Band will be setting off for Kamp-Lintfort, on Thursday, October 2, for a weekend concert tour.

Kamp-Lintfort is twinned with Chester-le-Street and the band perform in the hall at Kamp-Lintfort Mine, which employs 3,500 people.

It will also play at the Kamp Lintforter Stadfest, a big festival in the town.

Last month, the band appeared before a 2,000-strong crowd, when it took part in the Northern Proms at Durham County Cricket Club's ground, the Riverside.

It was originally formed in 1877 as Pelton Fell Methodist Band, then became the Pelton Fell Colliery Band until the mine closed in 1966.

They were then known as the Newcastle Brown Ale band, before returning again to Chester-le-Street last year, as the Riverside Band.

Published: 26/09/2003