THE crowds came out in force to support the first Ferryhill Gala and persuade organisers to make it an annual event.

The gala organisers pulled out all the stops to make it a weekend to remember for local people after a town gala was identified as a priority in a community appraisal last year.

Jamie Corrigan, of Ferryhill Town Council and the Ferryhill 2000 Committee, said he estimated there were more than 2,000 people in the Market Square for the first day of the event on Saturday.

He said: "There was probably double that on the Sunday, because there was just a constant stream of people, and at any one time there were about 1,000 people out there."

The centrepiece of the gala was a live stage yesterday. Many of the contributions were from local entertainers, including the award-winning Ferryhill Town Band, the Ian Pyle Dancers and country and western outfit Mustang.

There were plenty of other attractions, including fairground rides, Mr Merlin the magician, line-dancing, a fancy-dress contest, a display of old photographs and plenty of stalls, games and rides.

Mr Corrigan said the event had exceeded expectations.

"What it shows is that the town council and Ferryhill 2000 committee were right in trying to put on an annual gala," he said.

"I think there's no doubt about it, they will definitely want to carry on in the future.

"The weather held back for us, which was important, and it has been an excellent event."