VISITORS who stepped back in time at a medieval fair on Saturday grasped the chance to change the future.

Hundreds of people pledged to save energy when they called into a ClimateDome, a new feature at the Sedgefield fair, where the more traditional attractions are the old sports of jousting, Morris dancing and falconry.

The six-metre-wide inflatable dome is being taken around the region persuading people to cut carbon emissions.

It is run by charity CarbonNeutral North East, using a £400,000 grant from Defra and support from Scottish Power.

Allan Smart, president of Sedgefield Community Association, which runs the fair, said: "ClimateDome shows that we can each make a difference to our planet by making small changes in the way we live.

"Each and every one of us owes it to ourselves to make a pledge to ensure a bright future for our children and grandchildren."

The fair raised £5,500 towards running costs at the community association's centre, Ceddesfield Hall.

Hundreds of people, including children from Hardwick and Sedgefield Primary Schools, took part in a procession to the hall.

Nine-year-old Megan Hetherington was the flower queen and William Dredge, dressed as a Dalek, won the fancy dress competition.

Hardwick Primary won the float contest, with Sedgefield Primary second and Durham Caravan Club third. Tug-of-war winners were: OTW Shield, the Beavers; Junior Shield, the Cubs; Teenage Shield, the Guides; Adult Shield, Crosshills Hotel.