EVENTS marking Chester-le-Street's colourful history ended with a bang at the weekend.

Day-long festivities were staged to celebrate the heritage and on-going development of the town, with roots extending back to pre-Roman times.

By day there was a colourful street parade and performances by brass bands and characters in period costume in Front Street and the Burns' market area.

By Saturday evening the focus switched to the lawns of Lumley Castle, on the banks of the River Wear, which rounded off with a five-minute firework show.

The three-hour open air extravaganza began with a Proms in the Park-style concert, followed by the premier of a specially-written musical celebrating the history of Chester-le-Street.

Written by actor Colin Baker, of Dr Who-fame, and Chester-le-Street composer George Hastings, More Than A Street was performed by a 300-strong choir of local school children backed by a 30-piece orchestra.

Fittingly, in a musical marking the myths and legends of the town, a 30ft version of the Lambton Worm made an appearance before the sell-out audience of 1,000 picnickers.

There was enthusiastic applause for the efforts of choir master Barry Hopwood, of the Music Works group, who acted as a last-minute stand-in for Pop Idol singer Aaron Bayley, a late withdrawal due to an alternative commitment.

Peter Darrant, Lumley Castle marketing manager, said: "He was literally learning the songs until minutes before the show went on. In the circumstances he performed magnificently and he was the audience's Pop Idol on the night.

"It's something we'll have to repeat. Now we've seen what we can do I'm sure we can go on to become the Glastonbury of the North," added Mr Darrant.

The musical is now expected to be performed in local schools in coming months.

Saturday's events, under the banner Celebrate, were organised in conjunction with Northern Arts, Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street District Council and the town traders' association.