PRUDHOE’S town fair is growing in popularity with the annual event smashing last year’s record visitor numbers.

Last year’s event attracted 7,500 people – the most visitors in the fair’s long history.

But on Sunday this week, more than 8,000 visitors poured into Prudhoe town centre to enjoy a day of family fun at the heart of a close-knit community.

The fair is the culmination of Prudhoe Community Arts Week and is organised by a committee of eight people.

One of the organisers, Ken Stow, said Prudhoe Community Town Fair’s growing popularity will be a shot in the arm for Prudhoe.

He said:”If you get that many people in the town centre for a four-hour period, it must boost the town’s economy.

“The show is getting better and better-known each year; more and more people are aware of it.

“I think it means that Prudhoe is becoming more of a place on the map; people are looking forward to the fair every year.”

The day-long extravaganza kicked off at 11.30am with a colourful parade through the town centre.

The display of hand-decorated umbrellas and a Chinese dragon were joined this year by special guests in the form of Marshall from children’s tv show Paw Patrol and Poppy from the Dreamworks film Trolls.

Funfair rides filled Front Street and proved popular with all generations.

Many of the town’s shops and cafes opened for the day, and visitors could also browse a variety of community stalls promoting local groups, charities and businesses.

Young stars shone in performances from the Elaine Pygall School of Dancing, Annesha’s School of Dance and Northern Stars Dance Academy.

Live music from local musicians filled the town centre throughout the day, and the fair closed with the now traditional Songs of Praise event.

Ken said: “It was brilliant, the weather was great.

“Whichever way you looked there were crowds of people.”