 The sponsorship deal will safeguard the band's future |
A brass band in Northumberland which faced an uncertain future has been rescued with a sponsorship deal. The closure of the Ellington Colliery threw the future of its internationally acclaimed band into doubt.
However, the intervention of Northumbrian Water will safeguard the band for at least the next three years.
Production was halted at the pit in January when thousands of gallons of water flooded the workings, and more than 300 miners lost their jobs.
Owners UK Coal said that attempting to continue mining there would endanger workers' lives.
The colliery band, which is largely made up of musicians from the Wansbeck area of Northumberland, has been re-named the Northumbrian Water Ellington Colliery Band and water company chairman Sir Fred Holliday has agreed to be the new patron.
Northumbrian Water will support them for three years with a cash donation of �7,500 together with additional assistance with clothing and equipment.
They will also offer help in seeking further funding, and organising future events.
Future events will be held to benefit both the band and the company's adopted charity WaterAid.
One-Minute World News 
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