THREE villages came together for the first time in more than 50 years to hold a joint jubilee celebration on Saturday.

Residents of Ushaw Moor, New Brancepeth and Bearpark gathered at Deerness Valley School for the free event, which took place on the school fields and in the gymnasium.

It featured a teddy bears' picnic, songs of praise, five-a-side football, face painting, fancy dress and a host of other activities.

Following the afternoon celebrations, the event continued into the evening at Ushaw Moor Cricket Club, where there were fireworks, a children's disco, a band and a barbecue.

Dorothy Dowson, one of the organisers, said: "It went very well - whole families were there until 11pm and everyone had a good day.

"I've been here for 50 years and the three villages have never got together like this before.