HOLIDAYMAKERS flocked to Darlington for The Northern Echo's annual travel fair at the weekend.

Spring and summer breaks were on everyone's minds as thousands of people visited the annual exhibition, in the town's Dolphin Centre.

The event, sponsored by Sealand Cruise Centre, of Richmond, North Yorkshire, gave people the chance to check out holiday destinations on offer this year.

Health was another theme of the exhibition, and a personal trainer was present to give advice on exercise and fitness.

There was also a cookery demonstration, including a Challenge the Chef competition, held in conjunction with Darlington College of Technology and Marks and Spencer.

Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by children from the Val Armstrong Academy of Performing Arts, Hartlepool, who provided a medley of song and dance from around the world.

Magician and entertainer Mister Twister kept the kids amused with his routines.

Event organiser Hazel Robinson said: "We've had a really busy day - people were even queuing outside in the morning waiting to get in."