MEMBERS of a brass band were welcomed as guests of honour to the county’s twinned town of Tübingen this month.

Five members of the NASUWT Riverside Band, which is based in Chesterle-Street, visited the German partner town to mark the 50th anniversary of the decision by Durham County Council to twin with the German university city.

The musicians, who performed at the event, were delighted to be invited to launch the year-long programme.

Band manager Tony Thompson said: “The quintet from the band had a fantastic time in Tübingen.

“The mayor and the audience really appreciated the music we played and the feedback we received afterwards was tremendous.”

The cost of the visit was met by the German town, which will also receive visits from a youth football team, the county Big Band, a cricket team and Durham University.

Guests from Tübingen have been invited to take part in many of County Durham’s cultural events this year, including Durham Brass Festival and Bishop Auckland Food Festival.