EVENTS to mark a town's history literally ended with a bang at the weekend.

Day-long festivities were staged to celebrate the heritage and development of Chester-le-Street.

By day, there was a street parade and performances by brass bands and characters in period costume. But by Saturday evening, the focus switch-ed to the lawns of nearby Lumley Castle, rounding off with a fireworks spectacular.

The three-hour open air extravaganza began with a Proms in the Park-style concert, followed by the premier of a musical celebrating the town's history.

Written by actor Colin Baker, of Dr Who fame, and Chester-le-Street composer George Hastings, More than a Street was performed by a 300-strong choir of schoolchildren backed by a 30-piece orchestra.

Fittingly, in a musical marking the myths and legends of the town, a 30ft version of the Lambton Worm made an appearance before the sell-out audience of 1,000 picnickers.

There was enthusiastic applause for the efforts of choirmaster Barry Hopwood, of the Music Works group, who acted as a stand-in for Pop Idol singer Aaron Bayley, a late withdrawal due to an alternative commitment.

Lumley Castle marketing manager Peter Darrant said: "Barry was literally learning the songs until minutes before the show went on. In the circumstances, he performed magnificently and he was the audience's Pop Idol on the night."

Saturday's events, under the banner Celebrate, were organised in conjunction with Northern Arts, Chester-le-Street District Council, Lumley Castle Hotel, and the town traders' association.