A town on Teesside is gearing up for a new arts and music festival, which gets under way next month.

More than 100 musicians and singers will be taking part in competitions in the Hartlepool Music and Arts Festival.

The event has been set up to give people of all ages the chance to air their musical talent, and it is hoped it will become an annual event.

The festival has been organised by Hartlepool music teachers Pat Rutter and Derryck Pinfield, and is being supported by Hartlepool Borough Council.

It will take place over two weeks next month, culminating in a final on Saturday, April 27, at St Hilda's Church, on the Headland.

There are more than 50 classes, including string, guitar, woodwind, brass, and piano, as well as child and adult vocalists.

Heats will be held at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre, Raby Road, next month.

Lesley Strickland, Hartlepool council's events officer, said: "There have been a lot of entries for the competition from both Hartlepool and further afield, so the festival should be a real musical treat, with something for everyone.

"We hope as many people as possible will come along to listen to the competitors."

For details contact festival administrator Pat Rutter, on (01429) 236657, or Lesley Strickland, on (01429) 523420