GOOD value and excellent entertainment were on offer in abundance on Sunday when 200 people turned up to hear the Northallerton college bands play at Bedale high school.

The four bands, varying in size from eight to 65 players, plus a saxophone quartet - played as part of the Bedale 750 celebrations in aid of Bedale CE primary school's computer appeal. The event raised about £350.

For a modest £2, the audience was treated to playing of an impressively high standard, as the teenagers revelled in jazz, swing and what the BBC used to call "light" music.

The jazz orchestra glided through familiar pieces like American Patrol and In the Mood, while the saxophone quartet - very accomplished - followed with a Gordon Jacob piece and a ragtime number.

The eight-piece Dixie band, festival band and full concert band completed the programme. - R R