BRITAIN'S highest kite festival was held in the region at the weekend.

Thousands of people flocked to Teesdale, in County Durham, to see scores of kites soaring above the stunning countryside for the second annual festival.

Hosts Raby Estates hailed the event a huge success, with more kites fliers joining the display than last year and almost 4,000 visitors - an increase of about 50 per cent on the inaugural event.

Among the bizarre and beautiful designs featured from around the world were a giant 100m Chinese dragon, a teddy bear, a penguin and a lizard.

There was also sport and power kite flying, commentary from local kite historian George Webster, children's workshops and stalls.

Catherine Turnbull, marketing supervisor for Raby Estates, said: "It was a tremendous event. There were some spectacular sights and more people attended than last year.

"There were more activities which helped to make it a great family day out and bodes well for its future as an annual event."

Joint organiser and kite expert Malcolm Goodman described the view as an art gallery in the sky.

Organisers believe the two-day festival boosted the local economy as kite-fliers stayed in nearby Middleton-in-Teesdale, and people came from as far away as Manchester and South Yorkshire to attend.

Many families visited other local attractions, including High Force, England's highest waterfall, walked in the Upper Dale and used local shops and pubs during their stay.