A Weardale farmer has been granted a licence to hold music festivals just weeks after holding an illegal event.

But hill farmer Andy Norman could still face prosecution for holding the three-day Thimbleberry Festival near Stanhope in June.

At a meeting of Wear Valley District Council on Tuesday it was decided Mr Norman can hold four events a year with restrictions on noise and litter.

He was granted permission despite objections over noise.

Mr Norman held the dance, jazz and funk festival, which attracted 600 fans, at his 58-acre farm last month despite not having a licence.

Litter management

The event still went ahead as Durham Police said cancelling it at short notice could provoke disorder. Noise levels were monitored by the council.

Mr Norman said: "I'm delighted to have been given permission - it's good news for the area and for tourism.

"Farmers are being encouraged to diversify because there are problems in farming at the moment and the more things we can do, the better for the area."

A spokesman for Wear Valley District Council said: "Mr Norman was granted permission to hold up to four festivals a year between May and December.

"There will however, be restrictions on litter management and environmental conditions with regard to noise."