ONE of the region's most prolific school brass bands will turn silver next weekend when it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, the band at Tudhoe Grange School, in Spennymoor, will strike up for one of the biggest concerts in its history.

Musical director Adrian Biddulph hopes to trace as many past and present members as possible for a reunion next Saturday.

The celebration will give musicians, teachers and parents a chance to look back on the band's 25-year history.

The band was set up in 1982 by Mr Biddulph who has led them through the creation of separate concert and big bands.

They have shared the stage with musicians including the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, The Royal Marines Band, The Reg Vardy Band and leading soloists.

Members have won prestigious awards and it was one of the region's first school bands to make recordings.

A commemorative double CD charting the band's history and featuring all 500 members has been produced.

It has earned national acclaim by starring in the BBC's Children In Need programme.

Mr Biddulph said: "It is very rare for a school band to enjoy such continuity. There has been little in education that has remained constant in the past quarter of a century, but those players who have been part of Tudhoe.

"Grange School Bands all agree their experience in the band has played a major part in their development as adult members of society.

"Former pupils from all around the world have been in touch via the band's website to say that they are looking forward to being involved."

The event, in the lower school, in Durham Road, will be held between 3pm and 9pm and feature two sets by the concert band and big band.

Contact the school on 01388-816050 or go to www.tgsb.org.uk