CHART superstars Take That have heaped praise on the region once again after kicking off their European tour at the Stadium of Light.

The band returned to Wearside on Friday to start their Progress Live tour, the band's first since the return of Robbie Williams, with four shows, ending on Tuesday.

A combined audience of almost a quarter of a million people took in the performances, before the tour rolls on to Manchester and continues in some of the most famous stadia in Europe.

Singer songwriter Gary Barlow said: "We have had four magical nights at the Stadium of Light. It's been brilliant to be here.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone for being so nice to us while we've been here in the North-East. Everybody we've met has been great."

The city is now gearing up to welcome the Kings of Leon a fortnight on Friday.

Rob Ballantine, director of promoters SJM Concerts, the company behind Take That's latest tour, said: "The North-East has once again provided Take That with the perfect start to their European Tour."