Darlington was transported back to the Jurassic era today (Wednesday, August 29)as dinosaurs were let loose across the town centre. 

Shoppers at High Row and the Market Hall were greeted by a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex as Dinosaur Day returned for another year. 

A handful of other baby dinosaurs were also allowed to roam amongst the unsuspecting public at the Cornmill and Queen Street Shopping Centres. 

The giant T-Rex was a huge successThe giant T-Rex was a huge success (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The giant T-Rex proved to be a roarsome success amongst little fans - with fantastic pictures showing beaming kids following in the footsteps of the reptile. 

Guided by a dinosaur wrangler, the creature was followed by a parade of buzzing onlookers, with many capturing a picture or two while they had the chance. 

Kids and adults alike flocked to see the giant creatureKids and adults alike flocked to see the giant creature (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Stage performances took place across the day, with interactive play and activities also on in the square and marquee between 11am and 3pm. 

Carol Proud, who visited the square for the show with her granddaughter Sarah Ann, seven, said the event was "absolutely brilliant".

The grandmother told The Northern Echo: "We have had a wonderful time here, and it has been much better organised than some of the other events. 

"The weather has definitely helped for those of us sitting around and waiting! But Sarah Ann has had a brilliant time and is enjoying the show."

Valerie Cail, 68, attended with her niece and her three children. She said: "It looks like the kids are really enjoying it. We went and watched a bit but the kids needed some food!

"From what I saw they were enjoying it though."

Another onlooker said the event was "great fun" - despite not getting a chance to see some of the baby dinos. 


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The town's Crown Street Library also hosted the Wild West Dino Discovery, allowing budding archaeologists to marvel at a collection of museum-quality reproduction dinosaur fossils from the UK and USA. 

Kids and adults alike had the chance to handle fossils and even get up close and personal with the skull of one of America's largest predatory dinosaurs. 

Kids met a huge T-Rex in Darlington town centre as Dinosaur Day returnedKids met a huge T-Rex in Darlington town centre as Dinosaur Day returned (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Kids met a huge T-Rex in Darlington town centre as Dinosaur Day returnedKids met a huge T-Rex in Darlington town centre as Dinosaur Day returned (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Kids met a huge T-Rex in Darlington town centre as Dinosaur Day returnedKids met a huge T-Rex in Darlington town centre as Dinosaur Day returned (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)