RESIDENTS who opposed this year's Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne today vowed to continue their fight against the noise.

But the event still went ahead, attracting up to 50,000 revellers and hailed a sucess by those that attended.

Local people had tried to move a stage at the popular festival -- now in its 12th year -- away from their houses, citing unreasonable noise levels. A protest petition of nearly 200 names was handed to Pendle Borough Council, who jointly organise the event.

Fans from all over the country flocked to Colne to enjoy some of the biggest names in rhythm and blues.

But the festival left some homeowners feeling a different type of the blues altogether.

Matt Gordon, whose Walton Street home is approximately 250 yards from the stage, said: "The house was shaking for three days. It is all right for those people who visit for a few hours, but it's no fun for 30 hours in your own home.

"It was like having your stereo on full blast and not be able to do anything about it."

The main reason for the protest was the Up4It stage, introduced at last year's festival.

Many of those whose houses surround the youth stage in Exchange Street have been complaining for the last 12 months about the effects it had on their lives. But despite their efforts to prevent a stage on their doorsteps, the event went ahead.

Organisers lived up to their promise of the best blues music from across the globe as dozens of artists took to the stage over the four days.