TOP brass from around the region will be taking part in this year's Durham Brass Festival.

The event takes place tonight at Durham Town Hall and includes a double bill featuring the Northern Region Brass Champions Ever Ready Brass Band, from Craghead, near Stanley, and Sunderland Monkwearmouth Salvation Army Choir.

The highlight of the evening will be a piece specially commissioned by Durham Brass Festival for the band and choir to perform together.

Antiphonies for Angels has been written by Kevin Boulton and makes use of cornets, trombones, brass, percussion and voices.

The festival, which starts at 7.30pm, is supported by Durham City Arts, Jazz Action, Northern Regional Brass Band Trust, Durham city and county councils, District of Easington Council and Derwentside District Council.

Tickets, which cost £8 and £6 are available from the Gala Theatre, on Millennium Place, Durham on 0191-332 4041.