ITS usually a shrine to east Cleveland's mining history, but this weekend the Tom Leonard Mining Museum will be transformed into a concert hall.

The museum is host to a talented group of musicians who are part of the North Yorkshire Moors Chamber Orchestra.

As part of its summer serenade programme, the orchestra is featuring 20 free concerts over six days, most of which are being held in rural locations where such events are not an everyday occurrence.

And on Sunday, at 1pm, it is the turn of the Tom Leonard Mining Museum in Skinningrove.

The orchestra was formed in 1994 and provides opportunities for talented young musicians every holiday. The players are from colleges, universities and sixth-form centres all over the UK and are renowned for their imaginative planning of interesting and challenging repertoires. The group has developed a reputation for the energy, enthusiasm and exceptional quality.

Kate Brennan, the museum's marketing officer, said it was the first time such an event had been held at the Skinningrove museum.

She said: "I imagine it will be a relaxed afternoon, with visitors encouraged to come and go as they please, and hear these very talented young musicians playing for fun!"