LEGO fans from far and wide flocked in their thousands to the return of an annual exhibition today.

The free event, organised by Brick Alley Lego User Group, features creative displays and more than a dozen trade stands at the Locomotion National Rail Museum, in Shildon.

Enthusiasts can test their Lego building skills with a timed speed test, take part in a competition to win Lego sets or dive head first into a brick play area and get creative with thousands of Lego bricks.

Adam Brine, chairman of Brick Alley, said: "We have dozens of displays here, some of them are from sets you can buy and others are MOCs (my own creations).

"We held this event last year and it was incredibly busy, we've had another good turnout today but not as busy as last year.

"The thing with Lego is that it appeals to all ages, there are a lot of children here, but we also have people in their fifties coming along.

"This is one of many events that Brick Alley take part in throughout the year, we host this event with the museum but also take part in other Lego User Groups' (LUG) exhibitions."

Northern Brickworks, Brickshire and Sheffield LUGs are also exhibiting at the event, and some visitors travelled from as far as Peterborough to attend today.

Fine artist Deborah Cauchi is one of the traders at the event.

The Sunderland University graduate handpaints Lego figures before her designs are scanned onto coasters, mugs and prints.

She said: "Lego is so popular and I usually add a twist to the designs to make something different. It's about making art."

The exhibition will continue tomorrow (Sunday, November 12) from 10am till 5pm and entry and parking are free.

Visit nrm.org.uk/planavisit/events for more information.