AN estimated 12,000 music fans flocked to a former pit town to enjoy the country's biggest free blues festival.

The Stanley Blues Festival's immediate future seems assured - planning for next year's event starts now - after fresh funding arrangements were agreed with Derwentside District Council.

The event on Saturday, the 13th on the County Durham town's Kings Head Playing Field, was the first run by Stanley Blues Ltd following the demise of founders Northern Recording, the Consett co-operative.

Paul Green and Mary Kearney, of Stanley Blues Ltd, booked the acts and organised everything down to the siting of hot dog vans and fairground rides, work previously done by the council.

Mr Green said he was delighted with the response of fans, some of whom queued for hours.

"It was a real buzz to see people lined up waiting to get in. We were just relieved that they were here.''

British blues-rock band The Yardbirds headed a strong line-up that saw Texan guitarist Lightnin' Willie Hermes and his band The Poorboys return two years after bringing the house down with a storming performance.

North-East acts The Urge and the John Whitehill Band opened with strong sets, the latter featuring a stirring performance of I'd Rather Go Blind by singer Teresa Watson.

US slide-guitar maestro Studebaker John was well received and The Poorboys stormed through an hour-long set. Radio phone-in host Mike Elliott compered with his customary humour.

Blues-soul diva Sharrie Williams, backed by The Wiseguys, brought a more gospel feel to the festival and she made the day of one young girl who she invited out of the audience to dance on stage.

Mr Green said: "People have collared me and said the bands were very varied and that there was something there for everyone.

"What is nice is that so many people stay for the entire festival and listen to acts they have never heard before.

"We have had to work very hard through a difficult period but it has been worth it, Planning starts right away for next year's blues festival. It is the first time anybody has been able to say that in its 13-year history."