A MEMORABLE night of music, patriotism and humour has raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

A Last Night of the Proms at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, on Saturday evening, enthralled a large, flag-waving crowd with music of the highest quality.

The Normandy Band of the Queen's Division, under the engaging leadership of director of music Captain Kevin Roberts, played for three hours, from the opening national anthem to the rousing finale of Jerusalem.

Principal soloists, mezzo soprano Ann Tallis, Hartlepool-born tenor Anthony Grylls, and organist Andrew Christer, complemented the band superbly.

But the night was stolen by Derwentside teenager Sarah Kelly, winner of Music for Darlington's 2001 Young Soprano Competition, sponsored by Cummins Engine Company, and supported by The Northern Echo.

Such was the quality of Sarah's voice, it is hard to believe she is just 13. The pupil at St Bede's RC School, Lanchester, is a star in the making.

John Davies, of Durham County Youth Choir, was another young soloist to impress - how can such a powerful voice come from such a slight frame?

It was the most varied Darlington promenade since it began in 1997, with Corporal Justin Gooch coming out of the band to change the pace with an enjoyable rendition of New York, New York, and It Had To Be You.

Corporal Andrew Gardener's comical trombone sketch, while posing as a Dolphin Centre cleaner, had the crowd roaring with laughter.

Tremendous vocal support was provided by The Meltones, The Richardson Singers, and the Darlington, Elm Ridge, Gainford, Richmondshire, and Stanhope choral socities, with Darlington Operatic Youth Theatre supplying the promenaders.

The evening and the previous night's Promenade For Youth will raise about £6,000 for St Theresa's Hospice, Darlington, and District Age Concern, Darlington Mind, and the Corps of Army Music Trust.