A BRASS band is set to represent the region at national championships after raising £3000 and receiving a last-minute donation from a crafting company.

Spennymoor Town Band will take centre stage at next year's National Mineworkers Championship thanks to hard work and a generous donation.

The brass band has been holding concerts and arranging fundraising events to reach their £3500 target, which will cover the cost to attend the national competition in Skegness next January.

Upon hearing that the band had raised £3000, Crafter’s Companion, in Newton Aycliffe, decided to help make the band's dream a reality.

Sara Davies, founder and creative director of Crafter’s Companion donated £500 to their cause.

Hugh Stephenson, vice president of the band, said “We are delighted with this very kind donation from Sara and everyone at Crafter’s Companion.

“As a former mineworkers’ band, we are privileged to be attending the National Mineworkers Championship, which helps preserve our wonderful heritage. We have worked hard to raise the funding required to attend so to receive such a generous amount to help us on our way is fantastic."

Mrs Davies added: “As a business, it’s really important to help to support local causes and to celebrate our region’s successes. I am thrilled that the band is able to compete in another national competition and wish them the best of luck for next January.”