MICKEY Mouse paid a visit to Darlington yesterday to promote a free open-air concert which is being held in the town's Market Square on Friday.

The cartoon character visited the venue for the Northern Sinfonia's performance of Dukas' Sorcerer's Apprentice, which featured in Disney's film Fantasia. Darlington Borough Council and Northern Sinfonia, supported by Darlington Building Society, are staging the event as part of a programme of concerts under Swiss conductor Baldur Bronnimann.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice is one of a variety of pieces which will be performed in the concert, which will also feature work by Bizet, Rodrigo and John Williams.

The evening will begin at 6.30pm with a performance by local musicians.

The Northern Sinfonia will perform from 7.15pm.

For more information call (01325) 486555, or visit info