A BRASS band in a County Durham pit village serenaded a former player’s widow to celebrate her milestone birthday.

Nancy Parkinson, of Trimdon Grange, was given a special performance by Trimdon Concert Brass band for her 90th birthday.

A band spokesperson wished her a happy birthday, adding: “On Sunday we had the pleasure of performing another Band-a-Gram for local lady Nancy Parkinson.

"Nancy’s late husband Bill was a member of Trimdon, Thornley and Fishburn Bands and Nancy a loyal supporter.”

The gesture for the grandmother was not the first so-called “Band-a-Gram” - the band’s term for a surprise special occasion performance.

Last month Alice Appleton, of Trimdon Station, was paid a surprise visit by the band for her 100th birthday.

CELEBRATION: Birthday girl Alice Appleton conducting Trimdon Concer Brass band during their doorstep visit

Band secretary Dennis Jordan, who runs Trimdon Colliery shop D & J Jordan, arranged the performance for customer Ms Appleton.

A spokesperson said: “The family were delighted at the suggestion and managed to keep her in the kitchen while the band formed up in the front garden.

"We played a few tunes for her and she actually conducted the band.”