VILLAGERS whose annual carnival moved indoors due to bad weather on Saturday were so determined not to let the rain spoil their fun that when a chink of sunlight appeared they declared they ‘simply gotta march’.

Most activities and entertainment at the Bowes carnival, near Barnard Castle, were held in the village hall but a shortened fancy dress parade led by carnival queen Sophie Watson ensured housebound residents could watch from their windows.

Committee secretary Rosie Bettison said: “We won’t dwell on the things we lost, the stalls and entertainment that moved inside felt really busy and happy.

“Barnard Castle Band played upstairs with the windows open like a minstrels’ gallery, people enjoyed the TV and film theme and football on Friday and Sunday sports day were great.” She thanked the committee and all volunteers