THE region's biggest free blues festival attracted 15,000 people as the sun came out after days of rain.

Organisers of Stanley Blues Festival, which has taken place every year since 1993, had been expecting a record crowd of 9,000- 10,000 for the event on Saturday.

But the crowd, from all parts of of the country, surpassed their expectations, particularly as some thought it might have been cancelled after last week's heavy rain.

John Kearney, of Northern Recording, said: "It is the first time they have counted it and the figure is 14,900, which is pretty good. I think people came earlier and stayed longer.

"It is the biggest yet, no doubt about it - the audience numbers are almost double previous years.

"The festival attracts a marvellous audience - everybody comments on it. They are warm, knowledgeable and very receptive.''

Many fans were drawn by festival headliners The Peter Green Splinter Group, whose hour-long set featured Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad and Albatross, from the legendary guitarist's Fleetwood Mac days.

A few miles away at Waldridge, there was a sign on the village club's door saying it was closed because everyone was at the festival.

They were there to see local lad Pete Shoulder - now a Sony recording artist - and his group open the show.

The band's half-hour set got some of the biggest cheers of the afternoon, leaving people wanting more.

It showed how the 18-year-old's music has developed since he played the festival with his former trio two years ago.

Tynesider Ray Stubbs took the festival back to the Delta roots of the blues with an acoustic set showcasing his Amazing One Man Band Act.

The guitar boogie of Slack Alice got toes tapping and The Bill Thomas Band, featuring the virtuoso Texan guitarist, showed that blues is still alive and developing in its native land.

Afterwards the preacher's son said: "I really enjoyed it. It was a blast. It is a nice festival.''

Connie Lush and Blues Shouter lived up to their reputation as one of the most acclaimed bands on the British blues circuit.

The event, funded by Derwentside District and Durham County councils, was compered by comedian and former radio talk-in host Mike 'The Mouth' Elliot.