A BRASS band has gained its best result for 20 years after blowing away competition from around the country.

Ferryhill Town Band, from County Durham, finished third in the third division section of the National Mine-workers' Brass Band contest.

And after its success in the contest, held in Blackpool last week, the band is aiming to compete in the second division section next year.

The band has 26 members of various ages and has enjoyed a successful year in regional competitions.

Band member Peter Atkinson said: "We were so pleased to have done so well in the contest in Blackpool and next year we will hopefully have qualified to play in the second division section."

He said: "We have a lot of young players in the band, and we are all from the Ferryhill area, so the spirit in the band is great."

The band will play at the Manor House, on December 7, playing a selection of Christmas carols. They will then perform at Ferryhill Working Men's Club, on December 14.