TICKETS are on sale for this year's Darlington Proms musical experience.

The two-day event will take pace at The Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, next month.

Young musicians will be the first to take to the stage for the Promenade for Youth on Friday, May 16.

More than 100 youngsters from across the North-East will be entertaining the audience at the showcase for young talent.

Among the performers will be the Durham County Wind Ensemble, Durham County Big Band and the Durham County Youth Choir.

On Saturday, May 17, a Last Night of the Proms concert will be held.

The traditional party night of music will combine classical and light pieces performed by local and national musicians.

The King's Division Waterloo Band and The Tees Valley 2000 Pipes and Drums will be leading the musical evening.

A massed choir of voices from choral societies across the North-East will also perform alongside mezzo soprano Ann Tallis and winner of the 2002 Young Soprano Competition Sanaz Lavasani.

Both concerts, which are sponsored by The Northern Echo, will raise money for St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington, Darlington MIND, The Corps of Army Music Trust and other North-East charities.

Tickets are available from The Dolphin Centre on (01325) 388406, The Northern Echo head office in Darlington, and Williams The Music People in Darlington on (01325) 466224 or from participating choirs.

Tickets for the Promenade for Youth are £4, while the Last Night of the Proms' tickets cost between £5 and £11.