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

The museum is playing host to an enthusiastic 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 concerts over six days, most of which are being held in rural locations where such events are rare.

And at 1pm on Sunday, 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 time.

The players are from colleges, universities and sixth form centres all over the UK, and are renowned for their imaginative planning of challenging repertoires.

The group has developed a reputation for 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: "We have a great courtyard area at the front of the museum. I imagine it will be a relaxed afternoon, with visitors encouraged to come and go as they please to the concert, and hear these very talented young musicians playing for fun!"