AN internationally renowned band from Newton Aycliffe has taken part in its biggest ever event.
The Newton Aycliffe Pipes and Drums performed at an international folk festival in Agrigento, Sicily.
There were 23 nations taking part and for the final parade 60,000 Sicilians lined the streets to cheer a two-mile musical march.
Band Secretary Karen Hodgson said: "We could not believe the warm response we received by all the other groups during their stay."
The band received eight official invitations to other festivals world-wide, including Costa Rica and Korea.
The band has been invited back to Agrigento in October for a private musical function arranged by ambassadors of the town.
The band is now concentrating on helping raise money for Ann Teasdale, whose father and sister are both band members.
Mrs Teasdale needs £20,000 to for urgent medical treatment in the US.
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