About 10,000 people joined Derwentside-born celebrities Sir Bobby Robson, Glenn McCory and Susan Maughan for a park's re-opening.

The new Consett Heritage Park, otherwise known as Blackhill Park, was opened on Saturday after a £1.4m redevelopment.

Nine hours of celebrations were laid on by Derwentside District Council, beginning with a parade replicating the original procession of 1891 when the park first opened.

Scores of people got into the spirit of the day by marching down to the park in Victorian dress, led by the Salvation Army band. Members of the Friends of Beamish cycled alongside on a bone-shaker and a penny farthings.

Ward councillor Michael Malone introduced the invited speakers - Derwentside council chairman David Llewellyn, Henrietta Ryott from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Joan Harley of the Friends of the Park. They were joined on stage by former IBF world cruiserweight titleholder Glenn McCrory, Sixties singer Ms Maughan, and Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby.

The three celebrities helped to celebrate the opening of the park's £60,000 play area and saw some of the day's entertainment, which included performances by amateur and professional groups from across the district.

Also performing were along with Master Drummers from Ghana, Aboriginal performers, Indian dancers from Kalapremi UK and Irish dancers Anam Cara.

Saturday evening saw rock and pop music being played in the new Victorian bandstand and a 20-minute firework display provided the finale.

The park's redevelopment was funded by a Heritage Lottery grant of £977,000 along with cash from Derwentside District Council, Durham County Council and Dysart.

Saturday's opening was sponsored by Safeway, McDonald's and the Sponsors Club for Art and Business.

District council head of leisure services Steve Howell said: "The support for the opening event was fantastic. Local residents have been behind this project from the start and this is definitely a park for the people."