THE conditions were perfect for a great day's flying at England's highest kite festival yesterday.

Bright skies and a strong, steady wind gave enthusiasts hours of good flying time during the festival at High Force, near Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham.

The success of the event yesterday made up for a poor start to the two-day event, in which kites were grounded for much of Saturday because of several heavy downpours.

Spectators saw huge kites, including a 100m oriental dragon, soaring above spectacular countryside, watched sport and power-kite flying and visited workshops and stalls.

Catherine Turnbull, marketing supervisor for Raby Estates, which organised the festival for the third year, said: "Admittedly the weather did us no favours on Saturday, but Sunday was excellent.

"Each year the event has grown bigger and its reputation is growing in the kite community. More and more fliers from every corner of the country want to join in and travel long distances to be part of the festival."