VOLUNTEERS were forced to abandon their stalls as torrential rain ruined their Caribbean celebrations.

Darlington Council for Voluntary Service and Volunteer Bureau was hoping for blue skies when it arranged for Caribbean music and food to entertain shoppers in the town's market place yesterday. Unfortunately, after just an hour, the drums stopped beating and the heavens opened.

Helen Crute, from the bureau, said: "It went with more of a squelch than a bang. The weather was horrid.

"But some of the stallholders said it was worthwhile with one selling out completely. Others said they were happy with the response they got.''

The idea behind the event was to celebrate International Year of the Volunteer and mark Volunteers Week, from June 1 to 7.

Stallholders from various organisations were joined by Darlington College of Technology students, who cooked Caribbean food, and the Paradise Steel Band, which serenaded those who were able to enjoy the finer weather of the morning.

Ms Crute said: "The band were brilliant and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Unfortunately we just didn't get the weather.''