A group in Shildon that has been fundraising for the past year has presented £1,500 to one of the town's bands.

The Sidney Cook Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes presented the cheque to the Sans Pareils jazz band.

Band treasurer Scott Wheatley said: "We have money towards the purchase of instruments, but in order to keep going we have to fund raise, and are most grateful to the Buffs for their support. The £1,500 raised by the members of the Sidney Cook Lodge will help us to continue in our activities."

Lodge spokesman Bob Hardy said: "We are always supportive of good causes, it's part of what we do, and we are very pleased to have helped the jazz band. Special thanks to The New Masons and The Royal George pubs."