A CIRCUS workshop was among the highlights of an annual village fete.

Residents in Middridge, near Newton Aycliffe, enjoyed a host of activities on the village green on Saturday.

Youngsters were treated to an afternoon of circus activities with Paul Jones thanks to a grant from Sedgefield Borough Council's arts development fund.

Other activities included face painting and a police car brought along to the event courtesy of Durham Police Constabulary.

Doreen Saddler, treasurer of Middridge Village Association, said that the event had been quieter than in previous years, but had still been a great success.

She said: "It was absolutely brilliant. Paul Jones from the circus workshops had the kids eating out of the palm of his hand. He was fantastic and the police car went down a treat as well."

The event made almost £1,000 and Mrs Saddler praised the community for all the hard work that was put in.

She said: "I am very thankful to everyone in the village who participated in the putting up and taking down of stalls, running stalls and other activities. All their hard work has paid off."