A COMMUNITY planning event for Newton Aycliffe residents to have their say on how to improve their area has been hailed a success.

The Event in a Tent, held on the field at Stephenson Way Primary School, attracted 162 people from the western part of the town.

Inside the marquee was an exhibition on local housing and the environment, and the options that have been put forward to improve homes and green space, which will form part of a masterplan for the area.

Residents were encouraged to complete questionnaires linked to the exhibition, and local community groups had display tables at the event to help raise awareness of their work.

Outside the marquee there was a bouncy castle and face painting for the children.

The Greenfield School drama group put on a short performance called "What's important to me?" to entertain visitors.

Celebrity guest actor Andrew Hayden Smith, who plays Ben in Byker Grove, visited during the afternoon to sign autographs and judge a children's art competition.

The Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Councillor Michael Dalton, drew the prize raffle which brought the event to a close.

The next stage in the process will be for Social Regeneration Consultants and Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners to analyse the questionnaires and obtain residents' views in preparation for developing the plan.

A draft masterplan for the area will be presented to local groups and Sedgefield Borough Council in September.