AN internationally renowned band from Newton Aycliffe has taken part in its biggest event.

Members of the Newton Aycliffe Pipes and Drums recently returned from an international folk festival in Agrigento, on the island of Sicily.

Twenty-three other nations took part in the festival, and 60,000 Sicilians lined the street to cheer the final parade, which was two miles long.

Secretary Karen Hodgson said: "The band and dancers could not believe the warm response they received by all the other groups during their stay.

"They received no fewer than eight official invitations to other festivals worldwide, including Costa Rica, Hungary, Latvia, Bulgaria, Korea and a very promising event in Switzerland in August."

During their stay, the band was presented with several gifts, including from the Mayor of Agrigento and the city Prefect, and they will go on display in the Great Aycliffe Town Council offices.

Mrs Hodgson said the band had been asked to perform in Agrigento in October as part of a week-long event.

She said: "The band will be the main attraction for the week, performing in theatres and small parades around the town, and it promises to be a great experience."

The band is now concentrating on helping fundraising for efforts for Ann Teasdale, whose father and sister are both band members.

Mrs Teasdale's supporters are trying to raise £20,000 to sent her to the US for urgent medical treatment.