A NORTH-East brass band has claimed a national title.

Houghton Brass won the third section category at the National Brass Band Championships, held in Cheltenham earlier this month (September 19-20).

Euphonium player James Wright also picked up the best instrumentalist honour.

Musical director Tom Gibson said: “We are delighted to have won.

“It is the result of a lot of hard work and effort from the players and other supporters of the band.

“We are all very proud of this fantastic achievement.”

The band will give a concert at St Michael and All Angels Church in Houghton-le-Spring on Wednesday, October 7 at 7pm.