RAINBOW flags filled the centre of Durham as a record number of people turned out for the city's third annual Pride event.

More than 1,500 people dressed up, waved flags and displayed banners to parade from Palace Green to Millennium Place today (Monday, May 30).

Rainbow flags were also flown from the top of Durham Castle, and by Durham Police and Durham County Council.

Durham Pride Chairman Mel Metcalf said: “It’s been fantastic and we’ve had quite a few more than last year. The parade just didn’t seem to end.

“We’ve had nothing but lots of encouragement and support in the city. We even had the rainbow flag flying from Durham Castle for the first time.

“It’s a really big thing for us because it shows Durham is inclusive and diverse. It means a lot. Durham Police and Durham County Council are also flying the flag which shows the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community that it’s safe for them and Durham is coming into the 21st century.”

The live entertainment included performances by The Cheeky Girls, Basshunter and S Club as well as tribute acts Beeyonce and In the Mix.

Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg, who joined the parade, said he wanted to encourage people in the LGBT community to come forward when they were the targets of hate crime.

He said: “We have supported this event for the last three years. It’s about welcoming diversity and reaching out into all of our communities. We want to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

“One concern I have is the amount of hate crimes around LGBT communities. It’s difficult to say how big a problem it is because there’s massive under reporting. We want to build confidence between the LGBT community and police and hopefully we will see an increase in reporting and prosecution and get the message across that this sort of hate crime is not acceptable.”

Durham chief superintendent Kerrin Smith added: “We need to ensure people are aware of what help is out there.

“Hate crime is coming down in the county but I would encourage anyone who is suffering or is aware of anyone suffering to get in touch. There is support out there and we do take it seriously.”

Money raised from this year’s event will go towards providing a safe space in Durham where members of the LGBT community can go for help and support.