A CARNIVAL has been altered due to the high cost of road closures.

The Toft Hill and Etherley Carnival floats will not travel along the A68 at Toft Hill.

Instead, there will be a fancy dress parade of walking characters, which will make its way from the community centre to the Quarry Field where entries will be judged.

Last year, organisers of several events in Teesdale said that traffic management companies, which were paid to carry out road closure orders, were charging more than a third of their budget.

Carnival committee member Pauline Lyall said: "We hope that residents will not be too disappointed about the lack of procession this year and understand the reasoning behind this decision.

"We are working very hard to ensure that the activities on the field cover all age groups and hope that everyone will come along and join the fun."

Toft Hill and Etherley Community Association's renamed event, now the village fete and fun day, will take place on Saturday, June 11.

A number of attractions have been confirmed including funfair rides, sideshows, brass and pipe bands, junior dance displays and various stalls.