THE summer weather also brought people out to celebrations in Crook and Bishop Auckland.

In Crook, more than 1,000 people gathered at the town's cricket ground on Saturday afternoon for the annual carnival, opened by local MP Hilary Armstrong.

Highlights included music in a huge marquee and pony rides for the children.

Councillor Eddie Murphy, one of the organisers, said: "We had a fantastic day. It was packed from start to finish."

Yesterday, in Bishop Auckland, Woodhouse Close held its annual gala.

Proudfoot Drive was packed with people as the procession paraded past to Jane Armstrong's Park, in Bishop Auckland.

A paintball range, bucking bronco, five-a-side football and fairground rides and stalls helped make the day a huge success.

Norman Button, who helped with the event, said: "It was absolutely brilliant, everything went perfectly."