AN old community tradition is to be revived after a 20-year absence.

The last time the people of Crook took to the streets for the town's community carnival was July 4, 1981.

Now Crook Community Partnership hopes to stage a comeback for the event, which once had the streets buzzing with a party atmosphere.

Organiser Peggy Manuel, 72, said that the carnival was always a treat to look forward to.

"I'm not sure when the first one was, but I can always remember going when I was a child,'' she said.

Fellow committee member Harry Brook, of Austen Way, Crook, used to take part in the event with his neighbours.

Between 1975 and 1979, the friends took part in fancy dress and appeared as pirates, railwaymen and even members of the Women's Institute.

"We thought we would have a go for a bit of fun.

"Our first one was a railway engine to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Darlington and Stockton railway,'' said Mr Brook, 71.

"We were just a bunch of friends. Anyone could take part. People would walk around in fancy dress and one year some blokes from a local pub chained themselves together and went as a chain gang."

The retired teacher views the return of the carnival with nostalgia.

"It used to be a great fun day out. We used to shout at people when we went past and there were lots of spectators on the street. I got a lot from it and I will certainly go along to watch," he said.

Mrs Manuel said that she hopes the event, planned for July 7, will once again breath life into the market town.

"I want the people in Crook to see what the town has to offer and I am hoping people from outside the town will come along,'' she said.

She has written to organisations in the town asking them to take part in the procession from Hope Street, through the Market Place and on to the town's football field.

"I think people were disappointed when the carnival stopped and so far we have had some enthusiastic responses.

"We want to give Crook a get together that will bring enjoyment and happiness for everyone - a day to remember."