A WORLD-famous brass band is to play at an open air concert in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance.

The Brighouse And Rastrick Brass Band will appear at The Blacksmith's Country Inn at Hartoft, near Pickering, next month.

The band, which was formed in 1881, will be putting on a performance akin to the Last Night Of the Proms, according to Michael Davison, a partner at the inn, who is helping to organise the event.

A percentage of the ticket money raised at the event will go to the air ambulance, as well as all the proceeds from the raffle.

Mr Davison explained why they chose the air ambulance as the beneficiary.

He said: "We wanted to do it for a charity, and the Great North Air Ambulance would be the charity that would benefit everybody in the area, as there are certain times of the year when there is only one way out of the Dales, and that would be by air ambulance."

The West Yorkshire-based Brighouse And Rastrick Brass Band is officially the best in the county, having won the Yorkshire championships in March. It has previously been crowned national champions and also European champions.

As well as appearing around Britain, it has also performed internationally, including a tour of Canada.

The band reached number two in the UK charts in 1977, with their version of The Floral Dance.

It will be supported by Pickering's Stape Silver Band.

In addition, local rhythm and blues group Herbal Remedy will appear after the concert.

As well as the bands there will also be a bar, food, and arts and crafts stalls.

Mr Davison said it was expected that demand for tickets for the all-seater concert would be strong.

Tickets cost £15 each and £10 for concessions. Parking is available.

The concert takes place on June 9 from 3pm to around 6pm. For more information, phone the inn on 01751 417331.