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

Throngs of people lined the streets to watch 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 celebrations.

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.

"Last year, people were disappointed the band could not march down the street for the golden jubilee because of the cost, but they enjoyed seeing the band play in the street before the events at the football ground.

"We appreciate the support the football club has given us for years, but the town green was the ideal location. When we took the carnival to the heart of the community everyone got involved."

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