A SERIES of summer bandstand concerts came to an end with a performance by a Caribbean inspired performer.

The Friends of North Lodge Park, in Darlington, hosted six concerts alongside a number of activities to bring people to the historic park.

The final concert starred Pam Ella, originally from Northern Ireland, who performed with a ten-piece band and guests Dominic Nelson Ashley and Tom Wilberforce Jnr.

Ms Ella moved to the Caribbean in 2006 where she has performed at music festivals with reggae music artists including Damian Marley, Third World, John Legend and the Stuart Wilson Band.

The final fun day also included an alternative petting zoo, with snakes, spiders and ducklings from Krafty Kritters, a bouncy castle, face painting and balloon modelling.

The event was funded through a grant from Groundwork UK Community Spaces, which previously provided a grant for the restoration of the park bandstand in 2010.

Yvonne Richardson, secretary of the friends group, said: "The music on the bandstand events are increasingly popular and it has been wonderful to see so many people enjoying the park and music with friends and neighbours, helped by fabulous weather every time.

“We hope to have more bandstand music next year and hopefully the weather will continue to be kind to us".