FISHBURN'S award-winning brass band has organised a full week of music for villagers.

The band has decided to stage the free concerts to mark the 30th anniversary of the closure of Fishburn Colliery.

Band members will be playing during a service at St Catherine's Church, in Fishburn, on Sunday.

On the following Tuesday, the band will give a carol concert around the Christmas tree on the village green, starting at 7pm.

The week's entertainment will end on Friday, December 12, with a full Christmas concert in Fishburn Working Men's Club, at 8.30pm.

Barclay's Bank will be presenting the band with a cheque for £750 on the night, which is matched funding for a sponsored event earlier this year.

Judy Evans' walk from Fishburn to Durham City on Durham Miners' Gala day, has now raised about £2,000 for band funds.

Band spokesman Billy Elliot said: "It is 30 years since the pit closed and a lot of people have asked if they could have a service, with the banner up in the church.

"We do a lot for the people of Fishburn. We cannot always do it but we do try and squeeze them in somewhere."