THEATREGOERS enjoyed an evening of dance, music and comedy to celebrate the centenary of one of the region's best-loved theatres.

Darlington Civic Theatre is 100 years old this year, and to mark the anniversary, some of the UK's leading entertainers turned out for a gala evening last night.

Top of the bill was TV funnyman Brian Conley, with local support provided by Journey South -the Middlesbrough duo who shot to fame after they starred in the X Factor in 2005.

Singer Jane McDonald, the star of BBC reality show The Cruise, treated the crowd to a selection of her favourite hits.

Two homegrown talents - Darrien Wright, who rose to fame on Strictly Dance Fever, and Pop Idol contestant Zoe Birkett -took part in the night, and children's favourites The Krankies completed the bill.

Lynda Winstanley, the theatre's performing arts officer, said: "It was a truly memorable evening as the stars came out in force to help Darlington Civic Theatre celebrate its 100th birthday."

The show was the culmination of a season of centenary events.

The venue has hosted shows featuring Ken Dodd, Dallas actress Linda Gray in a production of Terms of Endearment, and EastEnders villain Dirty Den -actor Leslie Grantham -in the play The Decorator.

Over the years, the theatre has hosted performances by a list of stars that reads like a who's who of stage and screen. Legends including Charlie Chaplin, Dame Vera Lynn and Mickey Rooney have all appeared at the civic since it opened in 1907.

Niki Burgham, the theatre's marketing officer, said after last night's gala performance: "It is a wonderful theatre and the staff really care about it so much.

"This wonderful line-up was an excellent way to celebrate 100 years of Darlington Civic Theatre."