THE spirit of Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, shone in Darlington last week.

People who visited Crown Street Library got a colourful surprise as staff celebrated by wearing traditional Indian costume.

Books on Diwali were on display and tea, coffee and traditional Indian sweet snacks were available.

The art of Mehendi henna hand painting was demonstrated and staff and borrowers were also shown how to make signs in coloured sands.

Library spokeswoman Jean Longstaff said: "It's something we would like to build on for other cultures and festivals, maybe the Chinese New Year. There has been a lot of interest."

Children at George Dent Nursery, in Elms Road, also enjoyed Diwali celebrations by decorating the nursery with lights and dancing to traditional Indian music.

Their celebrations continued this week with the visit of a professional Hindu dancer from the Annapurna Indian Dance Company.