RADIO hams from throughout the North-East gathered for their annual rally at the weekend.

Great Lumley Amateur Radio and Electronics Society's event attracted more than 200 radio enthusiasts.

Held at Great Lumley Community Centre, near Chester-le-Street, it featured many stands, including a bring-and-buy. Finchale College sold off a wide selection of oscilloscopes, signal generators and power supplies.

Rally organiser Nancy Bone said: "We also had a number of attractions for the whole family, such as pop bottle rockets and young face painting, jugglers and magicians. Our members are aged between seven and 75."

The group starts a Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Licence Courses from Wednesday.

For more information, contact Mrs Bone on 0191-477 0036 or 07990 760920.