CARS will be the stars when the eighth annual summer festival returns to Durham City next month.

Some of the most famous screen cars will take to the streets of the city centre over the weekend of July 2 and 3 - including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The fine four-fendered friend will park up in the city centre on Sunday, while the car made famous by 1970s TV cops Starsky and Hutch will visit the Millburngate Shopping Centre.

The previous day, a DeLorean, made famous in the Back To The Future film series, Del Boy's Reliant van, driven by a Derek Trotter lookalike, as well as a special Toytown car for the little ones will be in the city centre.

The summer festival has emerged as a showpiece event in Durham, attracting tourists and shoppers into the centre to boost business for traders.

Richard Toynbee, festival chairman and manager of the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, said: "The people of Durham like to add a bit of entertainment to their shopping and the summer festival brings the two things nicely together.

"All ages will love all the attractions that are being booked to make this year the best yet."

On Saturday, Millennium Place will host a Kidz Zone, with climbing wall, circus workshops and storytelling in the Clayport Library, while in the Market Place there will be entertainment ranging from talent shows to a Hungarian dance troupe.

There will also be a food, gifts and crafts marquee, an Anglo-Saxon re-enactment group and falconry displays.