MORE than 1,000 young people attended a week-long festival of fun in Newton Aycliffe organised and sponsored by the young people from the town's Christian Life Centre.

Parents of youngsters who took part have voiced their support for the Momentum Youth Festival, which was hailed a success.

Andrew Cherrie, the church's youth pastor, said: "This event is the first of its kind in Aycliffe. There has been a real buzz around the town because of it, with parents thankful for somewhere for their kids to go."

One parent said: "The event has been great and keeps children off the streets."

The event was supported by parents, Edgar Shephard Haulage, which donated the use of a 30ft lorry for an outdoor concert, McDonald's which supplied free vouchers and Alpha Catering.

The Christian Life Centre is to continue to build its youth programme and is launching Planet Youth on Friday, September 5. The aim is to provide a safe, fun environment for 11-to-19-year-olds who live on the town.