A SCHOOL band is to entertain visitors at its annual open day today, with music ranging from military marches to Michael Jackson.

The musical entertainment will provide an opportunity for Barnard Castle School Band to practice for their forthcoming tour.

In July, the 40-strong ensemble of year nine to sixth-form pupils will head to Barcelona for a nine-day, five-concert tour, which coincides with the launch of their CD.

Bandmaster Mick Donnelly said: "It's never too early to start practising. We will try and keep the open day performance as light as possible, which is why we will be playing anything from military to Michael Jackson."

The open day at Barnard Caste senior and preparatory schools runs from 10am to noon.

Pupils will conduct tours of the facilities and buildings and man a Palm Court caf.

All departments have been working on special displays, including a sci-fi maths challenge and game show.

There will also be sports demonstrations, arts and crafts, theatre and home-made cinema.