CHRISTMAS skaters and craft traders have temporarily transformed a town centre.

Over the past week, workers have been busy turning the Festival Walk shopping precinct in Spennymoor into a festive focal point with a temporary ice-rink, German-style market stalls and Christmas lights.

Spennymoor Mayor Andrew Gray opened the Christmas celebrations on Saturday and the town's new mascot, Spennybear also made an appearance. Arts and crafts traders from across the region are taking part in the market, which runs until January 6.

Bernd Bangel, of Sedgefield Borough Council, said: "People from all around the region have been here to make a family day out of it, and the feedback we have received has been a major success.

"The town centre has been extremely busy and that has to be great news for the traders, while the ice-rink has gone down a treat."