POLICE arrested 53 people for drug offences at a controversial music festival at the weekend.

Music fans were searched on entry to the Hi:Fi Festival, near Matfen, in Northumberland, on Saturday, and sniffer dogs were used to help uncover cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy and cannabis.

A 14-year-old boy was taken to Newcastle General Hospital when he collapsed after apparently taking drink and drugs.

He was yesterday in a stable condition in Newcastle General Hospital, where his condition was not thought to be life-threatening.

Police and residents in the village, which is near Hadrian's Wall, opposed the organisers' licence application, fearing public disorder and traffic chaos.

It was subsequently approved by Castle Morpeth Borough Council and there were no instances of violence or congestion reported.

Organisers said 12,000 people turned up, although police estimated the crowd to be 7,500.

Police said about 200 officers and support staff were at the event.

Chief Superintendent Graham Pears said: "The policing operation went well. The crowd was well below the original estimates.

"We said we would take a robust approach to any offences and we did this."

Revellers enjoyed sets from indie legend and former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown, North-East band Maximo Park, and the Editors, as well as dance music from DJs including Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, John Digweed and the Audio Bullys.

Student Sian Williams, 22, from Castle Dene, near Chester-le-Street, said: "The line-up was really good and I would like to see it become a regular feature of the North-East calendar."