VISITORS from all over the world descended on the North-East this weekend for a festival of steam.

Most had originally come to see the Cavalcade of Steam, which was to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, but collapsed because of financial problems.

But the setback failed to daunt steam enthusiasts who turned out at museums throughout the region, which tried to make up for the loss of the cavalcade by staging their own events.

Alan Pearce, manager of the Timothy Hackworth Museum in Shildon, County Durham, said it had been a phenomenal weekend, and he expects today to be just as popular.

He said: "It's been well beyond expectations. We were just going to have a small event, but the people of Shildon said let's do something bigger.

"So they got together with the chamber of trade and other organisations and everybody's turned out to support it. It's been absolutely marvellous."

Councillor Brian Stephens, leader of Sedgefield Borough Council, said: "After the disappointment of the demise of the cavalcade, people in the town have rallied round and made it a very good day for all."

Several local tour operators laid on coaches and hundreds of visitors came from all over the country.

There were also people from Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, France, Holland, Germany and Belgium all there to enjoy the attractions.

One of the most popular was Merlin, a 1939 Peckett saddle tank loco which gave rides to the public.

Geoffrey and Beppie Harrison travelled from Toronto, Canada, and enjoyed themselves so much they even helped organisers operate the ride.

Mrs Harrison said: "We were coming over for the Cavalcade anyway, and when we heard it was called off we were disappointed.

"But we still wanted to make the trip and we've had a wonderful time.

"We've had a nice look around the museum - which was really good."

Mr Harrison, originally from Lancashire, said: "The Merlin ride is really great, and I think we're gong to encourage a lot of other people to come over."

Other attractions included a replica of Hackworth's 1829 loco Sans Pareil, back in Shildon after undergoing an overhaul in Shropshire.

The weekend was also enjoyed by 12 direct descendants of Timothy Hackworth, who visited the museum for a family reunion.

Jane Hackworth-Young, great-great-granddaughter of Timothy Hackworth, said: "I think this is great fun and it's nice to see so many people around.

"We were sorry that the cavalcade didn't happen, but this is nice for us because we've all been able to sit around and talk with our relations, which we would never have been able to do before."