The sun was shining on this year's Durham Big Meeting crowds as thousands lined the streets to show their support as the parade passed by.

The sound of brass bands reverberated through the city centre as a mass of colourful banners were held up high.

TV star Ricky Tomlinson also returned for the second year running to support pal and retired Houghton pitman George Rowe, who resurrected the missing banners for Houghton and Lambton collieries three years ago.

Mr Rowe, 78, who has cancer, emphysema and sugar diabetes, thought he was going to be unable to attend the event after being kept in Sunderland Royal Hospital.

But on Tuesday he was discharged, meaning he could make it to Saturday's event.

He said: "Nobody would stop me from getting here today and nothing would have kept me away. This event is everything and there is so much pride and tradition.

"I've got here today and I'm so proud to be here."

Mr Rowe met Royle Family star Ricky nine years ago when he was an extra on location at Whitley Bay, and the pair struck up a firm friendship.

"Ricky said he was only going to come to the Gala if I came so that made me even more determined to get out of hospital," Mr Rowe, who led the Houghton and Lambton banners through the city, said.

And to show his appreciation to Ricky, Mr Rowe presented him with the last piece of coal to be brought out of Ellington Colliery in Northumberland as the banners paused below the dignitaries watching from the balcony at the Royal Hotel.

Ricky said: "I'm here for the second year and I hope to return next year with some big faces from showbusiness.

"I love the event and I love coming to see George, he's got such a great spirit."

Stevie Wright, 42, of Washington, was carrying the Washington F Pit banner for the third year. He said: "This event is fantastic, it's bringing the mining community together.

"All of my family have been down the pits so the event means a lot to me and I'm proud to be here, it's just a pity they can't see me."

Norma Hauxwell, 64, of Glebe, was following the banner. She added: "I think the event is wonderful. It's going back to all the old traditions of working down the pits."

George Robson, Gala co-ordinator, said: "The determination to keep this event alive is astonishing. There's so much pride, history and heritage of mining.

"Most of the villages in Durham are there because there were collieries there so it's important that we teach the younger generations about their history and keep this tradition alive."

Read more in today's Echo