A TOP bill of musicians are lining up to host a concert with a difference in a bid to support community arts projects in the region.

North-East artists will gather in the ARC Theatre, in Stockton, for the Soulfood event this month for a night of diverse live music with all proceeds supporting the Tees Valley Arts charity.

The Middlesbrough-based charity works with Darlington, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland and Hartlepool councils to support projects in prisons, schools, businesses and community groups.

Nine-piece funksould band GrooveTrain will headline the Soulfood concert, bringing together North-East musicians who have performed with Sting, Robert Plant, Jools Holland and the original Blues Brothers Band.

GrooveTrain frontman and Tees Valley Arts trustee, Michael Lavery, said: “Having worked on Teesside for many years and played an active role in culture and community programmes in the region I was delighted to bring my band back to the area and to such a fantastic venue.

"We are looking forward to leading a night of high-quality live music for our local followers and for the friends and partners of Tees Valley Arts which does so much fantastic outreach work with communities in the region.”

Tickets for the event on April 19 are £12 in advance or £15 on the door, with all proceeds to support Tees Valley Arts.

For tickets, visit arconline.co.uk