COMMUNITY spirit was overflowing in Willington at the weekend thanks to a two-day carnival.

Throngs of people lined the streets on Saturday as Willington Monarchs Jazz Band lead the parade through Colliery Road and High Street to a new venue.

The band switched from the town football club's Hall Lane ground to the town green for this year's event, which raised money for the band and next year's carnival.

The face of this year's event was carnival queen, 14-year-old Alana Devonport. She was accompanied by attendant Ashlea Copping-Rodgers, 11; princess Kayleigh Wingfield, seven; and six-year-old prince Alex Casmes, who stepped in at the 11th hour to replace the original prince who was unable to take part.

Organiser Beverley McMahon said: "It was a brilliant weekend, the community spirit has been overwhelming. We took the carnival to the heart of the community."

Grants from the Local Network Fund, through County Durham Foundation, and the Single Regeneration Budget from Wear Valley District Council, helped to fund the event.