STRONG winds grounded one of the main attractions at the Great Aycliffe Show at the weekend, but failed to deter thousands of visitors.

The Royal Artillery's team of professional soldiers kept its 80ft hot air balloon safely on the ground because the strong gusts would have made flying too dangerous.

But crowds who flocked to the showground, at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex, were treated to a thrilling display by the young Honda Imps motorcycle display team, while Jez Avery put his £700 mountain bike through some spectacular stunts.

Birds of prey from the Ridgeside Falconry took over the main arena on both Saturday and Sunday, and there were also exhibitions from David Seamark's sheepdogs and the South Durham Dog Agility Club.

Music was provided by the Aycliffe and Brancepeth Band and the Royal British Legion Pipes and Drums.

The Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Councillor Michael Dalton, presented trophies to winners of the five-a-side football competition.

Show organiser Marie Robinson said: "It was a shame about the balloon because the views would have been spectacular, but it would not have been safe.

"People have said that there has been plenty to see and do, and we feel it has been a very good show.

"From the number of cars and the people around the arena, we must have had a very good attendance."

Results were as follows:

Byers Green A won the seniors' football competition, with the Wasps finishing runners-up. Byers Green B took the senior plate trophy, beating Newton Aycliffe Raiders in the final.

In the intermediate contest Spennymoor United came first, with Inter Mylan second. Willington Blues won the plate, beating the Hornets.

Junior winners were Spennymoor Wasps, from Blue Stars.

Newton Aycliffe Sports Club won the junior plate, with Heighington Rangers in second place.

In the handcrafts exhibition, winners were: Home produce, Mrs C Tennant; craft, Mrs J Ebdon; knitting, Mrs B Johnson; wine, A Cutting; wood, G Allen; photography, J Robinson; art, G Westgarth; schools, Alexander Lovejoy.