The tinkering of steel drums could soon be echoing through the corridors of a Leyland school as a world famous brass band steps in to help raise funds.

The Grimethorpe Colliery (UK Coal) Band, whose story was made into 1995 blockbuster film, Brassed Off, will perform at Preston's Guildhall, Lancaster Road, on October 29, to drum up £3,000 for equipment for a 12-piece steel band at Wellfield High School, Yewlands Drive, Leyland.

It is hoped the concert, organised to celebrate achieving Business and Enterprise College status, will also raise enough money to start the construction of a new music studio in the school's former gymnasium.

The Yorkshire-based group, which will play a catalogue of hits including the Laurel and Hardy theme tune, Riverdance and solo performances, agreed to perform for the school after its PTA secretary, Eunice Smith, called in a favour from friend, Richard Evans, conductor of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Mrs Smith, 55, of Bristol Avenue, Farington, thought it would be an ideal opportunity to encourage pupils to become interested in music.

"I've known Richard for 34 years. Grimethorpe are an amazing band and we were delighted when they agreed," she said.

"Things like this make the children who are already enthusiastic about music, even more enthusiastic and gets them involved."

A handful of pupils, who will sell programmes and show people to their seats on the night, will also get the unique opportunity to speak to the band and get tips from the musicians. It is hoped the steel band will go on to play at competitions once it has been properly set up and Mr Evans, who will turn 71 just days before the concert, said he would watching for potential stars of the future.

"We have to listen to them, laugh with them and encourage them to get the best out of them," he said.

"Schools are the places to look for the talent and there's a lot out there and I'm sure we'll find some at Wellfield."