Muical youngsters are tuning up to form a new jazz band in East Cleveland and the 25 band members aged from five to 18, are now getting into the swing of thier first competition.

 

The East Cleveland Bells draws its members from Skelton, Boosbeck and Lingdale. One of the group's founders and its assistamt treasure Diane Drinkhall said: "We decided we would like to set a band up of our own so we advertised with posters and the response was brilliant. It is growing very popular and it is giving the kids something to do and keeping them off the streets"

 

Fund rasing helped get the gropu off to a good start, aying for their blue and gold uniforms, all made by local woman. But the cost of entering competitions, as well as £100 a time to hire a bus, means the group is constantly on the look out for cash.

 

Mrs Drinkhall whose daughter is a member of the band added "They have really come along well but as this is our first season we're not expecting too much"

 

The Bells have already held their first carnival and practice twiceaweekin Lingdale Village Hall on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.