AN annual fundraising concert, cancelled when its military stars were called to war, has been saved.

The Last Night of the Proms show at Darlington's Dolphin Centre was scrapped when the Normandy Band of the Queen's Division was called up.

The event, organised by Music for Darlington, has now been saved after the King's Division Waterloo Band agreed to take over the leading role.

The Promenade for Youth and A Last Night of the Proms concert in aid of St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington Mind and The Corps of Army Music Trust, will take place on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17.

The Promenade for Youth will feature more than 100 local young musicians including the Durham County Wind Ensemble, Durham County Big Band and the Durham County Youth Choir. A Last Night of the Proms concert will include the traditional flag waving and popular songs.

The King's Division Waterloo Band will be joined by the Tees Valley 2000 Pipes and Drums and choral societies and choirs from across the region.

A spokesman for Music for Darlington said: "This is wonderful news as the concerts are an important part of our fund-raising activities.

"Although it's going to be a real rush to get everything ready in time I know this will be another fantastic night for music lovers in Darlington and we'd really like to thank everyone who is rallying round, particularly the Waterloo Band and our local choirs for making it all possible."