A GIANT elephant is one of the attractions expected at a British Asian carnival in the region.

Between 5,000 and 7,000 people are expected to attend the Runga Rung - The Colour of Colours - event on Thursday, November 27, in Darlington.

The carnival replaces the annual light parade held in the town.

A 12-foot steel elephant will be the centrepiece of a procession through central Darlington.

The finale, in the Market Square, will be a human catherine wheel as fireworks are lit from the grounds of St Cuthbert's Church.

Community Arts Officer Kari Vickers is working with Branksome, Mount Pleasant and Corporation Road schools to produce silhouettes for window displays in eight shops on the procession route in the week leading up to the parade.

Events manager Jeff Dawson, launching Runga Rung yesterday, said: "After seven years of the lantern parade, the time was right to make a change. This brings exciting vibrant new entertainment to Darlington."

Mr Dawson admitted that he initially had concerns about allowing a display with live fireworks through the town centre but was determined to see it succeed.

Groups from as far away as Cumbria have already shown an interest in attending.

Head of Darlington Arts, Lindsay Tuck, said: "This is the first of several major changes we are planning for Darlington arts festivals in future."

Organisers are hoping that thousands of people will gather at the Arts Centre, on Vane Terrace, at 7.15pm for the firework launch and follow the carnival down through Abbey Road, Duke Street, Skinnergate, Prebend Row and into the Horsemarket area.