A CHRISTMAS festival attracted large numbers of visitors from throughout the country to Durham City at the weekend.

Singers, musicians and street entertainers provided the distractions as shoppers took the opportunity to buy presents from a variety of stalls selling goods from across Europe.

Visitors were given a welcome to the city by the new official town crier, Colin Beswick, who was presiding over his first official engagement.

Durham City Forum director Colin Wilkes said last night: "It has been a quite exceptional weekend.

"We have had more coaches coming to the festival than we have had before.

"Some came from as far afield as Wales and Glasgow. The number of people in town was phenomenal. It has been an excellent trading day for all concerned.

"I think it is generally recognised as the best weekend in the city.

"Hopefully, this is a good sign for the build-up to Christmas."

Activities included an ice rink and mobile climbing wall, which was erected in Millennium Place.

For the children, a Santa's Grotto had been created in the Prince Bishop Shopping Centre.

On Palace Green, a marquee housed more than 100 stalls selling gifts, food and crafts.

Stallholders included seven traders from Hungary, who had once again travelled overland to take part in the event.

Many of the region's leading designers were in Durham Town Hall, including Eddie and Margaret Curtis, who have just returned from a successful visit to Japan.

Also exhibiting their wares in the town hall were master chocolatiers Lucas and Ingrid Story, from Belgium.