A BRASS band with plans to set up its own music academy to help encourage the next generation of musicians is holding an open day.

GT Group Band Peterlee, which is marking its 25th anniversary year, hopes the academy will inspire the next generation of brass and percussion players to become involved.

Its first academy open night takes place on Monday, December 16 and is a chance for anyone who already plays or has an interest in learning an instrument to find out about the project.

Trevor Langthorne, secretary of the band, said: "The evening will consist of a short talk about G T Group Band organisation and our plans for the future including a short film featuring the band, a chance to see and have a blow of the instruments, a short musical performance by a few members of the band and a chance to chat to the tutors."

It takes place in the band's rehearsal facility at the Old Salvation Army Hall, in Front Street, Shotton Colliery, from 5pm to 7pm on Monday.

Musicians of all ages and abilities are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced brass players. Anyone wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or percussion instrument from scratch is also welcome.

All the tutors are brass teachers or percussion teachers and are all DBS checked.

For further information call Mr Langthorne by calling 07960 931448 or emailing trevorlangthorne@uwclub.net.