HUNDREDS of schoolchildren braved the cold to take part in a spectacular festive show last night.

The annual Lantern Parade is one of the highlights of the Christmas celebrations in Darlington.

The town centre was brought to a standstill for the procession, which saw youngsters leading scores of entertainers through town centre streets to the market place.

The children were carrying lanterns which they made themselves, with help from professional arts company Bravura Arts.

Six primary schools from the town were involved - Beaumont Hill, Corporation Road, Heathfield, Sadberge, St Augustine's and St Bede's.

The parade, sponsored by Cleveland Bridge, set off from Vane Terrace at 6.30pm and was cheered on by enthusiastic supporters along the route.

This year's procession had a global theme, with Russian dolls, Dutch windmills and an Egyptian sphinx all included.

The group was accompanied by the Pure Drumming group from the Skerne Park estate and other entertainers included the Bollywood Brass Band and the Stiltskins stilt-walking and percussion group.

It all helped to create a spectacular display of lights, sound and vision, which kept the crowds enthralled.

Several roads in the town were closed from early evening to accommodate the display.

After leaving Vane Terrace, the parade entered Duke Street, Skinnergate, High Row and Tubwell Row, before arriving in the Market Square at about 7pm.

The Baghdaddies kept the Market Square crowds entertained until the parade arrived.

The Alpha 103.2FM roadshow also kept the fun going until a fireworks display, which marked the end of the event.