FERRYHILL Town Band has lost its conductor after four years.

Steve Robson, who led the band to several successes, including an appearance at London's Royal Albert Hall, has resigned for personal reasons.

Band spokesman and trombone player Peter Atkinson said: "Although all band members are sorry to see him leave, we wish him all the very best."

The band has moved quickly to appoint a replacement, Tom Maddison, former conductor at Peterlee.

Mr Atkinson said: "Tom has an excellent record in the brass band world and has been conducting at the very highest level. We were very fortunate to have Tom available to take on the role of conductor and we are all looking forward to working with him."

The band's next appearance will be at the Royal British Legion Club, Ferryhill Station, on Sunday, May 19. The concert is being held to raise money for the club, which was badly damaged in an arson attack last year.

A prior commitment means the new conductor will be unavailable, so Sue Norris has agreed to step in. The free concert starts at 7.30pm.