FISHBURN Band have been crowned champions of the Durham League.

The band, conducted by Graham O'Connor, took the honours in section A of the Durham County Brass Band Association's annual grading contest at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

In second place were local rivals Ever Ready, and Broughtons Brass Band were third.

Fishburn Band also walked away with individual trophies for best soprano, won by Malcolm Usher, and best trombone for Malcolm Gill.

The victory is a great start to 2003 for the band which has a hectic schedule over coming months.

First on the agenda is a fundraising concert in Trimdon Colliery WMC on Friday, February 21 at 8.30pm.

Cockerton Band won the B section of the competition and also picked up every other trophy in the section, which saw the oldest and youngest members of the band take to the stage to receive their trophies.

Charlie Harrison, a band member for over 70 years, received the trophy for the best horn section, while the band's youngest member Beth Steel, 15, was presented with the award for the best percussion section.

John Liversedge, took the prize for best cornet and conductor, Graham Catherall, was awarded the best conductor's trophy.

Ferryhill Town Band won first prize in the third section

Conductor Tom Madison collected The Northern Echo Cup and the £150 first prize on behalf of the band. He was also awarded the George Rowell Memorial Trophy for being the winning conductor.

Eric Schlosser, Ian Wilson, Brian Chaplin and Jonathan Wallace were awarded the trophy for best bass section.