The traditional sound of leather on willow will be replaced by something a touch more brassy in the coming weeks, as the sound of two competitive 'National bound' bands will be heard near Chester-le-Street cricket ground.

Busy

The NASUWT Riverside Band under Ian Robinson will be putting the final touches to their preparation for the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall, while the NASUWT Concert Band is busily preparing for Harrogate and their debut appearance in the Fourth Section final.

Young band

Conducted since its beginnings by Alan Hope, they performed at its three Area contests conducted by Martin Humphrey and John Bell, two players with the senior outfit. This is the first time the young band, with no less than 18 players under 17 years of age, has qualified for Harrogate.

The band's had jointly to raise in excess of £90,000 for the restoration and conversion of the former pavilion which stands in a beautiful local park4BR

New bandroom

In April this year, the two bands were able to move into a purpose built bandroom in the village of Pelton Fell – the former home of the band which many will remember as the Pelton Fell Workmens Band.

The band's had jointly to raise in excess of £90,000 for the restoration and conversion of the former pavilion which stands in a beautiful local park.

Massive challenge

This was a massive challenge with a lot of hard work all round and a great personal effort from the joint President, Tom Moffat MBE.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The result is a superb building of which we are all very proud. We are all also proud of the fact that both bands have qualified for the Finals in the same year, a credit to all of those involved."