A PROM in a Park is to be staged this evening, beginning at 6pm, in the grounds of Shotton Hall in Peterlee.

Two of the country's top opera singers will be leading the musical extravaganza which will also provide a stage for a number of local school children.

Graeme Danby, who hails from the area and is principal bass with English National Opera (ENO), will be joining forces with Valerie Reid, mezzo soprana with the ENO, to present a programme including highlights from the Gondoliers, Mikado, Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe.

The singers will be joined by pupils from Eden School, Peterlee, Shotton Primary, Acre Rigg Juniors, South Hetton Juniors, Shotton Hall Juniors and Shotton Hall secondary school.

The public will be invited to take up a position on the lawns where a small picnic will be provided free of charge.

Refreshments and full bar services will be provided within the hall's conference centre. Parking is available within the grounds and also across the road at Shotton Hall School.

A disco for young people will follow the performance.

Following the operatic performance there will be a disco for all the young people attending until 9pm.

The Proms will begin at 6pm.

Mr Danby said: "As a North Easterner it is an absolute pleasure to work with youngsters from the area.

"I am certain that this event, a first for the area, will be a great success, but more importantly it will give youngsters and their families a chance to experience something entirely different."

Valerie added: "It has been an absolute pleasure to work with these youngsters who have shown such great enthusiasm and no little talent.''