BEING woken by a horn concerto would not be everyone's idea of a dream start to the day.

The beep beep beep of an electric alarm clock is bad enough. A blast from half a mile of brass would be enough to send most of us into orbit.

Lu Mason, though, loved it. The 7am concert by the Fanfare quintet outside her Holgate home was the perfect way to kick-start her 50th birthday.

We are delighted she enjoyed the surprise treat. And no doubt her neighbours are delighted too - that there will not be a repeat performance for at least another year.

Updated: 09:31 Tuesday, October 12, 2004