THOUSANDS of music fans turned back the clock when UB40 came to The Northern Echo Arena.

The reggae giants, with classic hits including Red Red Wine, Rat in mi Kitchen and Can’t Help Falling in Love, will be supported by The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson as well as the up and coming Raging Fyah and the legendary Level 42.

And love was in the air when Scott Sterling proposed to Tina Marie Crosby, both from Middlesbrough, and thankfully for him – she accepted.

The loved-up couple took to the stage during acts for the romantic proposal in front of thousands of music fans.

Many fans enjoyed the spring sunshine and took the opportunity to have their photographs taken with armed officers who were patrolling outside the stadium during the event.

The concert forms part of the group’s Grandslam Tour, which incorporates 12 dates around the UK.

Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue were the first major act to perform at the stadium since Elton John wowed the crowd with a spectacular performance in 2008.

Amongst the fans in the crowd was Lisa Whitish, who bought her ticket alongside her friend Lisa Hetherington, to celebrate their 40th birthdays, loved the gig.

She said: “What a way to celebrate our birthdays – it was an amazing night.”

Ms Hetherington added: “I have been looking forward to tonight for months and the wait was definitely worthwhile. It has been a fantastic night of music.

“I can’t believe that I got to see UB40 in Darlington – it was mint.”

The Mowden Park Rugby Club has undergone a huge transformation since their move to the Arena in 2013, with this concert being two full years in the making.

Ahead of the event, organisers LHG Live worked alongside the rugby club and emergency services to ensure that the event is as safe as possible for gig-goers with additional checks, including compulsory bag searches.