TUNING UP: The D’Ukes of Scarth – the Staindrop-based ukulele band – and Malcolm Elsbury, left, will be among the performers at a beer and music festival to raise cash for a community bus
TUNING UP: The D’Ukes of Scarth – the Staindrop-based ukulele band – and Malcolm Elsbury, left, will be among the performers at a beer and music festival to raise cash for a community bus

TEESDALE’S first beer and music festival in about two years gets underway in Staindrop early next month.
Revellers can look forward to listening to 11 popular local artists while enjoying eight different real ales and two ciders on tap.
Organiser Morris Race said the event kicks off at 7pm on Friday, September 3, when Malcolm Elsbury and his Old Age Travellers take to the stage at the village’s Masonic Hall.
They will be followed by covers band Making Plans.
It is a noon start on Saturday, September 4, when the ukuleles of the D’Ukes of Scarth begin strumming followed by Jane Bleacher, who Mr Race described as having the voice of Nina Simone.
Folk club favourite Phil Cox follows with Co-Jo & Playback rounding off the entertainment for the evening.
Mr Race said: “I’ve asked specially that they do an acapella Zulu chant.”
Darlington singer Bradley Thompson starts the music on Sunday, September 5, with a set at noon, followed immediately by popular duo The Heavily Brothers.
Katzenjammers in their lederhosen are next on the play list followed by James Dykes and Eddie Tinkler who make up Two Local Blokes.
The festival culminates with Megan Dowson who is due to appear on the next season of The Voice UK.
Great food is on offer and everyone who attends will receive a complementary festival glass sponsored by Louis Smith Motors and Priestley Electrical.
Tickets cost £10 a day and proceeds from the event will go towards the fundraising efforts to buy a community bus for Staindrop.
For more information ring Mr Race on 07983 102041.