Tyneside's biggest free music festival could end as a result of cost-cutting by a newly-elected mayor.

The Window on the World festival (WoW) attracted more than 250,000 people to North Tyneside over the Jubilee bank holiday.

But North Tyneside Council's newly-elected conservative mayor Chris Morgan says the �320,000 cost is too much.

He has ordered a review which could spell the end of the three-day free music and arts festival, which this year featured Sir Bob Geldof.

Mayor Chris Morgan is reviewing costs

The 2002 WoW festival is estimated to have added about �8m to North Tyneside's economy.

But Mr Morgan said: "I have a duty to make sure the council's limited resources are spent in the most effective way.

"The council is struggling financially and we need to review every area of the council's budget and the WoW festival is one of those areas we will be reviewing.

"If another part of the region decide they want to pay for it then that's fine and we can have that debate."

Festival director Brian Topping said: "What is really important about this year's festival is that once again North Tyneside Council has provided another safe and successful event which appeals to a mix of age groups and tastes.

"Despite the total downpour on Sunday affecting visitor numbers, we still managed to attract 250,000 visitors over three days.

"Even the occasional shower or thunderstorm failed to dampen the spirit of the festival or north easterners who appreciate the festival's value as a community event."