DURHAM'S fourth Christmas Festival has proved the biggest yet, attracting an estimated 30,000 visitors to the city.

Gift hunters from both near and far afield flocked to the city for a taste of a traditional Victorian Christmas.

City centre manager Barry Turnbull declared it a roaring success.

He said: "It's been extremely successful, we couldn't have asked for more. There were huge numbers coming into Durham all weekend, including party bookings from down south, and we even had some overseas visitors."

Mr Turnbull said all the car parks were full and three times as many people as last year used the park and ride service.

"The traders said Saturday was good but the Sunday was unbelievable," he added.

More than 30 groups of singers and musicians, including more than 100 performers, maintained the festive feel through the three days of the event, which began on Friday with the switching on of the Christmas tree lights and city centre decorations by Durham's Mayor, Coun George Wharton.

Stilt walkers, street theatre performers, many in traditional Victorian costumes, and of course, Santa Claus himself, in his specially-built grotto in the Prince Bishop Shopping Centre, provided popular attractions throughout the weekend.

The festival, organised by the Durham City Forum, traders and the city council, was first held in 1997 to win back the trade that was going to other towns and shopping centres.