A SPECIAL programme has been lined up to mark the millennium celebration of a festival which originated in Medieval times.

Additional support from the Millennium Celebrations Fund has allowed a wider-than-usual range of entertainment and activities to feature in Houghton Feast 2000, which runs from October 6 to 15.

Originating from a harvest festival initiated in the days of Bernard Gilpin, known as the "Apostle of the North", the feast still thrives in Houghton-le-Spring and neighbouring villages midway between Durham and Sunderland.

This year's line-up was launched at the Kepier Hall, alongside the parish church of St Michael and All Angels, by the feast steering committee chairman, John Mawston, yesterday.

"Thanks to the extra funding we have been able to extend the variety of programme provided during the festival, to include a unique flower festival at the parish church, additional illumination pieces and extra street theatre and artists to enhance the carnival parade," he said."

Coun Mawston said he was especially pleased that, to commemorate the millennium, a heritage photographic display was being staged on the history of Houghton-le-Spring.

The Festival of Flowers runs from October 7 to 15 at the church, which also hosts several other events, including a musical extravaganza, Jonah and the Whale.

Members of the Church Performers tell the tale of Jonah and his mission to reform the sinning Ninevites, in an evening of song, on October 7, at 7.30pm.

The focal point of the feast, the festival evening service, takes place at the church, on October 8, at 6pm, followed by communal hymn signing, led by local choirs and musicians, from 8pm.

There is also the usual fun fair, the Sunshine Circus, and traditional ox roast on the Rectory Field.

The free fireworks spectacular will be held on the Durham Road playing fields, on October 9, at 7.30pm.

The carnival parade, featuring an array of floats, vintage and classic cars and buses, and street performers, proceeds around the town on October 7, from 2.30pm.

Copies of the feast brochure are available at council offices and in the town library.

Further details of the full programme are available by telephoning 0191-553 6600