A BRASS band from the North-East is competing in a national championship later this month.

The Reg Vardy Band, based in Stanley, County Durham, is performing at London's Royal Albert Hall on October 15 for the 38th time in 43 years.

They are the reigning North of England Champions and this year's test piece will be Eden, by John Pickard.

The band finished ninth at the British Open held at Birmingham's Symphony Hall, last month. Earlier this year, it represented the UK at the World Brass Band Championship in Holland, where it achieved fifth place.

Manager Les Palmer said: "The band is enjoying another fantastic year and we are all looking forward to the challenge of competing in the National Championship.

"Everyone will be working hard to try and equal or better last year's magnificent third place."