HUNDREDS of visitors descended on Hexham town centre on Saturday as the first ever Hexham Roots Festival took over the Sele and Abbey Grounds.

The free event included live music, skating competitions, workshops, food and local trade stalls and was organised by a group of young musicians and DJs known as the Border Sound Collective, with support from Hexham Youth Initiative.

"One stage was dedicated to reggae music and the majority of bands who performed were from the local area," said youth worker, Glynis Murray-Hill.

Officials from the Dynamix indoor skate park in Gateshead were on hand to judge bmx, skateboard and scooter challenges throughout the afternoon.

The Sure Start play bus, woodcraft workshops, graffiti boards for teens, as well as a bouncy castle, and clothing and jewellery stalls kept all ages entertained.

Glynis added: "We think about 500 people came along. We had the weather for it and everyone I spoke to really seemed to enjoy themselves."

A fund-raising raffle took place on the day which was aimed at raising funds to stage future events.

This year's event was funded by Youth Action Fund, Hexham BID, The Rural Youth Work Fund, with support from Hexham Youth Initiative.