THIS year's Orange Darlington festival has been declared the best ever with thousands of people visiting the town.

The festival, which took place over the Bank Holiday weekend, included a host of free entertainment for all the family, including top bands and street entertainers.

Despite thousands of people crowding into the market square to enjoy the entertainment, there was no trouble and organisers claimed that there had not been a single arrest.

Terry Collins, leisure service manager for Darlington Borough Council said: "It's the most successful festival we have had to date.

"Thousands of people came into Darlington which was great for the town and the local economy.

"The organisers as well as sponsors Orange, The Northern Echo and Century FM are all absolutely delighted with the success.

There was only one small glitch over the weekend when headline act Voulez Vous were silenced for 10 minutes after a generator blew.

The crowds stayed in the market place and patiently waited for the power to be restored and the Abba tribute band returned to the stage to finish their Bank Holiday Monday set.

The festival was organised by Orange to give something back to the company's employees and their families in the town, but visitors came from across the region.

Mr Collins said: "People came from all over the North-East. It was an exceptional event.

"Obviously the weather helped to make it such a great success.

"We are now looking forward to next year and will be working to make it even better than this time."