HUNDREDS of spectators lined the streets and wrapped around the village green to travel back in time at Sedgefield's Medieval Fair at the weekend.

Despite a few rain showers on Saturday, the village played host to a spectacular array of decorated floats, fancy dress contests and fairground attractions for all ages.

To get the event started, Cleveland Police Band led the procession through the village.

Nine-year-old Jenny Dovaston, of Trimdon, was this year's flower queen and rode in a rare 1936 Austin Ascot Cabriolet.

Re-enactment group the Knights of the Black Phoenix entertained with a medieval combat display and there was traditional dancing from Black Sheep Morris and Tyne Bridge Morris. Ridgeside Falconry, of Spennymoor, impressed the crowds with a birds of prey display and there was a taekwando demonstration.

An added attraction at the fair, in its 33rd year, was the village's first farmers' market.

Hardwick Primary School Pirates won the best dressed float competition, followed by Friends of St William's RC School, Trimdon, as footballers and Sedgefield Community Primary School, as Romans. The Hardwick Arms team won the tug o' war trophy.

First place in the fancy dress competition went to Natya Priestley-Leach, in African dress.

Miquel Horton-Torres came in second and joint third place went to Adam Flatters and Rachel Thompson.

Wendy Gill, chairman of the Sedgefield Community Association fair sub-committee, said: "It was a lovely day and we're really grateful to everyone who made donated to fund the event, which brought in £5,000. All profits go towards keeping the association going for the community."