THE disappointing Bank Holiday weather failed to deter visitors from attractions in the region.

Soaring temperatures last week turned to rain and wind over the weekend, but crowds still flocked to events held to mark the Easter holiday.

And there was good news for motorists as the poor weather helped ease the traditional Bank Holiday traffic jams because most people chose to stay close to home.

A spokesman for AA Roadwatch said: "The roads were not as busy as in previous years.

''Generally people decided to go to local venues, perhaps to do a bit of DIY, instead of going to coastal routes.

''Had it been nicer, people would have headed away. As it was, people seemed to stay at home."

Among the North-East attractions that welcomed the crowds was Darlington Railway Centre and Museum.

Thousands of people took the opportunity to visit the centre and see its latest attraction, the Blue Peter steam locomotive, which was brought to the town from the North York Moors.

A teddy bears' picnic was also arranged for young visitors to the centre.

A spokesman said: "It has been really hectic here over the whole weekend."

Shops in the region also reported a busy weekend, with people turning their backs on the seaside to go shopping instead.

Crowds meant police had to close the A19 northbound leading to the new £50m Dalton park shopping centre, in Murton, County Durham, following severe tailbacks.

More than £1bn is expected to have been spent nationally at DIY stores, which were geared up for their busiest weekend of the year.