AMATEUR performers were given their chance to shine in front of a huge audience at the Orange Darlington Festival at the weekend.

Children as young as three took part in the event, held in St Cuthbert's churchyard, in Darlington town centre, on Saturday, which was hosted by Alpha 103.2.

Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch some of the town's best amateur performers take to the stage.

The talent competition was only part of the festival. Street theatre performers were busy during the day in the town centre entertaining shoppers and visitors.

A spokesman for Orange said: "We are very proud to be involved with this event, and to see so many people enjoying themselves."

An award ceremony took place at the end of the day. Prizes, including Orange gifts and meals at Ochis Caribbean restaurant, were awarded to Thomas Evans, five, from Darlington, who sang the theme tune to Mulan accapello; James Garbutt, eight, from Darlington, who performed Queen's I Want to Break Free; and Tanya Nixon, 16, from Melsonby, who performed Hero by Mariah Carey.

Dorothy Long, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure, said: "It shows all the hard work has paid off when you look around and see how many people have turned out to such an enjoyable event."

The festival continued into the evening with a 1960s concert held in the Market Place, which featured music by The Imposters.