THE first of two proms celebrations took place last night.

The Promenade for Youth, held at Darlington's Dolphin Centre, provided a fitting forerunner to tonight's showcase Last Night of the Proms event, which also takes place at the leisure centre.

Both shows are being held to raise money for St Teresa's Hospice, the Darlington branch of Age Concern, Darlington Mind and the Corps of Army Music Trust.

The performers last night included violinist Edward Walton, Darlington and Northallerton Rotary's Young Musician of the Year.

The winner of the Young Soprano of the Year competition, 15-year-old Sanaz Lavasani, of Kirklevington, near Yarm, will also be performing two songs at this evening's concert.

Tickets for tonight can be obtained from Williams Music, on (01325) 466224, or the Dolphin Centre, both Darlington, on (01325) 388406.