COMMUNITY groups are joining forces to organise a golden jubilee celebration in a bid to recreate the community spirit on a troubled estate.

Woodhouse Close, in Bishop Auckland, will host a carnival procession and family events on Monday, June 3.

It is hoped the activities, which include fancy dress contests, sport competitions and stalls, will encourage better relations between residents.

Woodhouse Close Residents' Association, Auckland Youth Group and Woodhouse Close Church have teamed up for the event.

David Johnson, residents' association chairman, said: "Generally, it's a nice estate. Hopefully, this event will rebuild the sense of pride and respect that has reduced in recent years.

"We held a successful carnival last year and hopefully we can build on that and make this one really great, to mark the Queen's jubilee and for the estate."

A procession of floats and fancy dress will start at the church, on Proudfoot Drive, at noon and end at Jane Armstrong Park.

A five-a-side football tournament, three-legged and sack races, a tombola, cake and bric-a-brac stalls will be held at the park.

If the weather is poor it will be held at the church and youth centre, both in Proudfoot Drive.

To join in the events or help out on the day, call Mr Johnson on (01388) 450131.