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 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 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.

"We had diverse and specialised entertainment for all over the world and there really was something for all the family."

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

The crowds stayed in the market place and waited for the power to be restored and the Abba tribute band returned to the stage and finished 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 the event has become popular over the years with thousands of people from all over the region.

All the events organised over the weekend were free, including face painting and hair braiding for the youngsters.

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 not looking forward to next year and will be working to make it even better than this time."