THOUSANDS of people turned out to enjoy a glorious gala on Saturday.

Residents hailed the 63rd annual Spennymoor Town Gala, in County Durham, as one of the best yet.

The Disney themed parade marched through a packed town centre before ending at the Victoria Jubilee Park where there was a host of stalls, entertainment and a funfair.

Spennymoor Town Mayor Councillor Clive Maddison said: "It was a brilliant day, the amount of people that came out to enjoy the gala was absolutely unbelievable. The parade seemed to go on and on forever, the vintage cars and trucks were brilliant, the entertainment so varied and the atmosphere was brilliant.

"It is testament to the volunteers, what they do is marvellous."

A popular new addition to the paparde was the Blue Tigers, a jazz band born out of the town's two bands which folded in the 1980s.

Julie Wilson, a gala committee member who organised the jazz band reunion, said: "It was absolutely fantastic, the girls were so excited and loved every minute. The crowds were really receptive and we've had lots of interest so I'm sure it will continue."