STANDING room only signs could have appeared in Colne town centre over the past four days as the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival once again proved a massive success.

Organisers estimate that over 80,000 people visited the town during the festival which began on Friday and ended last night.

The main festival organiser Gary Hood said: "The place has been heaving, it really has been a tremendous event.

"Every year people tell me that this has been the best yet and they don't know how we will surpass it and they've been saying that again this year."

The Benedictine Roadhouse at Pendle Leisure Centre has proved a huge draw. A host of up-and-coming talent appeared with admission via special festival pledge badges.

"People have been queuing to get into the Roadhouse," said Gary. "It got to the stage where we would have to wait for people to leave before we could let anyone else in."

Colne Municipal Hall, home to the main international stage, was packed to capacity every night.

Last night saw the festival's headline performer Lucky Peterson make his debut in Colne and wow fans with a stunning live set.

A virtuoso on both guitar and Hammond organ and an outstanding vocalist, the Colne date could well be the one that makes him as popular with UK audiences as he is in the States.

Also on last night's bill were Blue Harlem, who gave an impressive soul-tinged review, and those perennial favourites King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys were last up to lead an end-of-festival party deep into the night in their own inimitable style.