A JAZZ band has celebrated its first anniversary by taking delivery of new uniforms paid for by the community.

Children from as young as six years are enjoying the benefits of being members of the Shildon Jubilees jazz band.

Their enthusiasm for their new hobby has been so infectious that people living in the town, plus various local organisations, have supported them by raising money to pay for equipment.

One of the founder members of the group, Lesley Tremble, said she helped to form the organisation because she felt the town needed a jazz band.

She said: "I was in a jazz band when I was younger and I really enjoyed it.

"It has been really popular and we have got a lot of kids who work really hard. I am really proud of them.''

The group was able to set up with a £4,989 grant from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme, plus £800 from the Shildon Community Chest operated by Sedgefield Borough Council, and £1,119 from the County Durham Foundation for Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chest.

The cast and organisers of the recent Tribute to the Stars event in the town raised £1,034, and Barron's caravans at Burtree, near Darlington, gave two tents for the children to change in at competitions.

Mrs Tremble said she and the band committee had been astounded by the generosity of the community which rallied to give donations.

She said: "The community of Shildon is so strong, and if it wasn't for everyone's help we wouldn't have celebrated our first birthday.