A SPLASH of colour was brought to the skies at the weekend when kite enthusiasts from all over the country gathered to show off their skills.

The kite festival, organised by Darlington Rotary Club to raise funds for charity, attracted entrants from across the region and further afield.

Saturday's event, at Darlington's Eastbourne School, featured kites from so-called miniature Indian fighting kites to large inflatable soft kites.

Demonstrations were put on by The North East Kite Fliers group, with the largest kite about 30 metres in length.

Organisers were helped with the event by Billingham resident, Malcolm Goodman, known as The Kiteman.

He has the largest collection of oriental kites in Europe and has organised a number of kite festivals, including the annual international festival at Sunderland.

Other attractions on the day included a balloon race, face-painting and badge-making

Andrew Fenner, of the rotary club, said: "We had about a dozen big kites in the air at any one time and lots of spectators and children.

"We do plan to make this an annual event because of the response we have had."

Next year's event could be in South Park, Darlington, with all proceeds once again going to charity.