DANCE band enthusiasts from all over the region descended on a remote moorland pub to pay a sentimental tribute to radio DJ Frank Wappat.

Musicians and singers helped the veteran BBC local radio presenter launch his latest venture aimed at promoting local music talent on the airwaves.

Among them was singer Ivy Barnes, who came out of retirement to entertain the audience at the Moorcock inn, at Waskerley, near Consett, County Durham.

During a career that started in the 1940s, she was the popular vocalist with the George Evans Band at Newcastle's Oxford Galleries.

She was accompanied by the Tommy Moran Quartet, from South Shields, South Tyneside, who have appeared on many of Mr Wappat's radio shows over the past 35 years.

They presented the DJ, who has taken over a shop in Stanhope, Weardale, with a £1,000 alto saxophone. Mr Wappat, who started his musical career as a saxophone player on Tyneside, is selling a wide range of local music in the shop and hopes it will help promote musicians.

The audience was also entertained by Weardale artists, including guitarist Gordon Witten and mouth organ player Brian Peart. "I couldn't believe that so many people turned up and travelled so far to be with me on the night," said Mr Wappat.

"It was meant to be a one-off and a way of thanking everyone who has helped me with this new venture, but it proved so successful, I think we will be staging more nights like this."