juggling vicars and clowning clergymen added to the fun for church-goers from all over the area who gathered in Durham City at the weekend.

Priests mingled with clowns, gymnasts and artists for a celebration of family life at the Ecumenical Family Fun Day in front of Durham Cathedral.

Palace Green was transformed into a colourful carnival as clergymen from all over the country did their bit to entertain and inform the crowds.

The Rev John Linton of Pel-ton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, wowed the crowds with his fire juggling routine, while the Rev Roly Bain, of Bristol, raised a laugh with his clowning antics.

Organiser Judith Catty decl-ared the event a huge success. She added: "Hundreds of people of all ages came and they seemed to enjoy what they saw.

"These vicars tend to incorporate some of their skills into their everyday jobs so it's nothing unusual for them."

The event also included circus workshops, a drama production and craft workshops and stalls.