COMEDY legend Eric Sykes helped to pull in the crowds to the launch of a new North-East bookshop.

People from across the region flocked to the Waterstone's store, in High Row, Darlington, as Sykes cut the ribbon to open the shop.

He later chatted happily with fans, and signed copies of his autobiography, If I Don't Write It, Nobody Else Will.

Children also packed into the ground floor level to catch a glimpse of The Gruffalo, the hugely popular character from the recently-released children's book.

A band played outside the store and face painters and balloon modellers amused youngsters and their parents.

Richard Bramich, assistant manager of the store, said the launch was very successful.

"We were really pleased with the way everything went, and the turnout was excellent. We were kept extremely busy, and that continued into Sunday" he said. "It was lovely to see the children's faces when they met The Gruffalo.

"All the staff and customers had a great time, which is all we could have asked for."