REETH was bathed in sunshine for the annual Jazz on the Swale weekend festival when internationally-known musicians topped the bill.

The festival kicked off with Ivan Henderson's Scottish Ragtime Band, which played to a packed venue at the Buck Hotel, scene of most of the performances.

Saturday entertainment began at lunch time with the River City Jazz Band, a North-East group led by trombonist Gordon Soloman. The performers, including vocalist Fred Thompson, had hands clapping and feet tapping as the audience enjoyed a buffet lunch.

During the afternoon, mainstream jazz was provided in the hotel bar by the Bill Goyder Trio with local songster Kathy Benson - a new venture which organisers hope to repeat.

Phil Mason led the evening performance, joined by John Howlett on trombone and Laurie Chescoe on drums.

The band also attended the Palm Sunday service at the Methodist chapel, when they were joined by Christine Tyrrell. The Rev Jane Harris, taking her first Easter service in Reeth, was enthusiastic about the music and has already invited the band back next year.

The Sunday also saw the Wensleydale Stompers play during the afternoon and the Eagle Jazz Band round off with a performance which culminated in their Dambusters finale, which left the audience cheering.

Organiser Graham White said: "The obvious success of small, friendly festivals such as this is certainly due to having a balanced repertoire, an appreciative audience and sponsorship, for which we gratefully thank the Black Sheep Brewery and, in particular, Dougie Mills, who has been so supportive to our local jazz events over the years."