BIRD lovers from across the region brought plenty of colour to a North-East show yesterday.

Hundreds of enthusiasts were out in force with their brightly coloured feathered friends for the Darlington and District Budgerigar Society's annual show, at Greenfield Comprehensive School, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

More than 500 birds were on show at the event, and owners from North Yorkshire, County Durham, Cumbria and Northumberland came along.

The show is a major event for the region's budgerigar fanciers, and is the first in the show season.

Brian Cowe, one of the organisers of the event, said it was one of the best shows in the society's history.

He said: "We had a tremendous turn out and a very high standard on show, which is great to see."

The birds are split into categories depending on age and colour, and owners can show in the beginners, novices, intermediate or champions sections.

The overall winner, with the Best Bird in the Show award, was Brian Coyles, of Washington