AN annual show with a new look gets under way today with a tradition-breaking parade.

For more than three decades, floats have led Peterlee's carnival, but this year all those taking part in the opening procession will be on foot.

The decision to abandon a fleet of lorries carrying floats has been taken by Peterlee Town Council, the organiser, because of spiralling costs and potential health and safety problems.

Today, at 10.30am, for the first time the parade will make its way through the town to the Helford Road Show Field with all participants on foot.

Judging of the parade entrants will take place at 11.30am and will be followed by a string of main arena events, which will continue until 4.25pm. Other attractions will then be available until the fireworks display at 10pm.

On-stage events tomorrow will begin with a church service at 3.30pm and will continue with a range of musical performances, including a 45-minute performance by the X Factor's Eton Road, which will begin at 8pm.

The programme will begin tomorrow with a fun run, at noon, with main arena events continuing until 4.30pm.

Also on the show field will be arts and crafts and open show marquees, plus a variety of rides being provided by Nobles' Fairground.