A JUGGLER, a magician and a balloon artist were among those entertaining bank holiday revellers at a family street party.

The street entertainers were called in to celebrate the completion of gas mains work which has disrupted Durham City centre for four months.

Northern Gas Networks, United Utilities and Balfour Beatty threw the party to thank residents, shoppers and businesses for their patience.

The party was centred on the city's Market Place but also involved Saddler Street, Silver Street and Old Elvet.

Colin Wilkes, managing director of Durham Markets Company, said the gas work had caused a lot of upheaval, but engineers had worked hard to keep people informed.

"Bearing in mind the awkward nature of the site, the work was carried out as quickly as it possibly could have been," he said.

"We had a good working relationship with the engineers and they gave us realistic updates."

The project saw 500m of gas pipe replaced. Work was paused in February for The Rifles Army regiment's Freedom Parade and again last month when four skeletons were found buried close to St Nicholas' Church, in the Market Place.