MUSIC filled the streets of two towns this weekend as they celebrated their summer carnivals.

Crook Carnival returned to the streets for the first time in 20 years on Saturday, when the town's community partnership recreated the festive atmosphere last seen on July 4, 1981.

Meanwhile, in Spennymoor, the town was in full swing for the annual gala, with the highlight of the four-day event being a parade through the streets on Saturday.

The carnival was led by Spennymoor Town Band, with five jazz bands and 14 floats in tow.

At the town's Jubilee Park the celebrations continued with a vintage car show, a battle recreation, morris dancing, a unicyclist and balloon sculptor.

A fairground started up in the town shortly after the gala was opened on Thursday night by Spennymoor Mayor Councillor Russell Ferguson.

Many town centre shops joined in the celebrations by taking part in a window display competition. The event was won by Rosa Street School, whose pupils decorated the windows of George Teasdale's photographic studios with a teddy bear's picnic scene.

The leader of Spennymoor Town Council, Councillor Bill Waters, said: "I'm delighted that the school took part. If we don't get through to the schools then there's no future for the gala."

Crook Carnival organiser Peggy Manuel, 72, was also pleased with the support for the Wear Valley event.

She said: "The crowds turned out, it was smashing. We had some kiddies from the playgroup dress up and they were beautiful."