TWO of the region's biggest summer events have been left without their main sponsor after mobile phone company Orange pulled out.

But organisers of the Peterlee Show and the Darlington Festival have vowed that this year's events will go ahead, despite the loss of funding.

When the Darlington Festival was established to mark the restoration of the Market Square in 1996, Orange, which has a call centre in the town, signed up as its main sponsor.

The firm said it wanted to show its commitment to the community by investing in the family event, which became known as the Orange Darlington Festival.

In Peterlee, where Orange also has a call centre, it has sponsored the annual show since 2000.

Now, following a review of its UK sponsorship portfolio, the company has decided to withdraw its funding for both.

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said: "The Orange sponsorship was worth something like £30,000 a year. We are grateful to Orange, but we will either get other sponsors or look for other forms of funding."

Featuring music, dance and street entertainment, the Darlington Festival has grown from year to year.

Last year's took place over three days in August and attracted about 50,000 people.

Now in its 31st year, Peterlee Show features a parade, bands, and a main arena for displays. Last year's attracted 20,000 visitors from throughout the region.

Orange spokeswoman Maureen Dixon said: "We have enjoyed a close working relationship with Peterlee Town Council and Darlington Borough Council in recent years.

"As one of the largest employers in the area, we are committed to the local community and look forward to working with the councils on other initiatives."