THE man behind a £31m tourist attraction which could help turn around a town's fortunes believes its opening night was just the beginning of something wonderful for the area.

Speaking to The Northern Echo after historical night show Kynren- an epic tale of England opened at Eleven Arches, Bishop Auckland, on Saturday, financier Jonathan Ruffer, said: "We will look back at this in years to come and say 'that was the moment something terrific started'.

"Saturday night was the culmination of three years of hope which, in the beginning, sounded like a desperate long shot but has gradually become reality thanks to the incredible participation of the community.

"It came to a glorious conclusion with the opening show.

"Now we look forward because it is the first of many, we have started something wonderful."

The town's MP Helen Goodman added: "I thought it was visually stunning and particularly enjoyed the jousting, I thought it was tremendous.

"I hope that it means more people will come to Bishop, see what a nice place it is and to help regenerate the town centre and put it back on the mpa.

"I really felt I was watching the start of something great."