MUSIC fans at Colne Rhythm and Blues Festival gave the thumbs-up to the youth Up4It stage following concerns it might not have gone ahead.

The three-day stage, which showcased local bands and some of the best up and coming bands in the country, attracted a large crowd each evening.

There had been concern over the future of the stage in previous years when some residents living nearby complained about the noise levels but, after recent consultation with local people, the council decided the event could go ahead.

The views of local people were taken on board and more stewards were called in for extra security behind the stage and organisers agreed music would cease at 11pm.

Fifty or 60 professional volunteers helped to run the stage, and around 24 bands took to the stage during the afternoons and evenings over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Andrew Turner, a member of the sound crew, said: "A lot of hard work goes in to this event. Planning for next year's event started yesterday.

"I think more people enjoyed the Up4It stage this year than the other venues in the blues festival. It was all videoed and put out on a large screen for the first time in Colne.

"It was all grass in front of the stage and you couldn't see any of the grass there were so many people. Every evening was packed and the crowd was heaving. The reason it was successful is because a lot of people in Colne feel alienated if they do not like blues, so this is something different that they can enjoy."

The stage was organised by the Youth Action Trust for Pendle, which is funded by the council and which co-ordinates activities within the community for youngsters.