TOWNSFOLK let their hair down for a day of music and high jinks, all boosting a leading cancer research charity.

It was no ordinary occasion in Stanley, as 007 paid a visit to the town's annual fun day, and the local MP was put in the stocks.

Kevan Jones, the recently elected member for North Durham, agreed to suffer the public indignity of being the target for cream cakes and wet sponges.

But it was all for a good cause, boosting the coffers of the Stanley committee of the Cancer Research Campaign, which organised Saturday's event.

It was started in style, by no less than James Bond, or at least Sean Connery-look-a-like Nick Richmond, from Darlington.

Other events during the day, centred on Clifford Road near the town centre, included live musical entertainment from a range of performers, plus side-shows, games, fairground rides, a bouncy castle and face painting.

Organiser Bill Burgess was pleased at the response and the turn-out to what was Stanley's 12th annual fun day.

"It's become a regular date in the calendar. The weather helped - it did bring the crowds out. I spoke to some who had come from much further afield, so word must be getting out.

"It's one of our two major fundraising events of the year, although it's the toughest to organise, and so far it's raised something like £2,100, but there's more to come in yet," said Mr Burgess, the campaign's Stanley committee chairman.

The committee's other main annual occasion, its ten-mile sponsored walk, was postponed due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak but has been reorganised for Sunday, September 9, on a scenic, downhill stretch of the Derwent Walk, from Blackhill to Swalwell.

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact Mr Burgess, on (01207) 281201.