SHOPPERS at a North East market town took time out to tango as part of an art film project.

Artist Anton Hecht, who is known for creating innovative outdoor art, stationed himself in Darlington’s undercover market to film traders and shoppers tangoing for an online film.

About 40 people got involved and learned a few basic moves with Lauren Rafferty of the Darlington dance company D Project before being filmed dancing the steps.

Mr Hecht said it went “brilliantly”.

He added: “It was much better than I thought it would be, people were really enthusiastic and we had a lot of people all the time coming along and getting involved.

“Everyone was really friendly; you never know what kind of reaction you’re going to get with these things but everyone was so friendly.”

Mr Hecht said that his inspiration for the project came from the market itself.

He said: “It is lively and colourful and there is quite a big tango presence in Darlington so it just seemed like a natural fit.

“The last couple of films I did have done quite well in terms of views and media attention so I am hoping that this will really celebrate the market and show Darlington off to a wider audience.”

Mr Hecht’s previous film in Darlington, which involved members of pensioners’ group Gold dancing with trolleys in Market Square, went viral and has been seen by more than 85,000 people.

Editing of the tango film is expected to be complete in January and Mr Hecht will then post it on Youtube.

He also hopes to display stills from the film in a Darlington art gallery, possibly at Crown Street Library.

Mr Hecht wished to thank Creative Darlington and Arts Council England who both supported the project.