HUNDREDS of people packed into a North-East church to see a New York-based band perform music inspired by their community.

St John's Church, in Seaham, County Durham played host to So Percussion, who performed From Out A Darker Sea.

The piece of music created for and inspired by the people of east Durham, was commissioned by East Durham Creates and produced by Forma Arts.

Freddie Welsh, of Easington, who took part in the sold-out performance and said: "I met So Percussion about four months back when they came to east Durham.

"I wasn't nervous tonight, my wife, daughter and grandson were all here tonight and they loved it."

Adam Sliwinski, of So Percussion, said: "It was even more emotional for us than I thought it would be, mainly because of the people who were here.

"We were nervous about making this for a community of people and we were very moved by performing here tonight."

Nikki Locke, head of East Durham Creates, said: "I don't think there was a single person here tonight who wasn't moved by what they saw and heard.

"t's an honour to be part of a project that told the stories of generations of people across East Durham and tonight really showed the power of what the arts can do."