A POPULAR North-East dance festival is being expanded into a community-wide event.

Organisers of the Darlington Dance Festival are seeking to get even more people involved in this year's event, following its success last year.

The 2000 festival kicks off at Darlington Arts Centre on Tuesday, with a community dance showcase involving performers from across the region.

A youth dance will be held on the following evening involving talented dancers from local schools, colleges, dance schools and youth groups.

Tickets for the events cost £4 with £2.50 concessions. For information call (01325) 486555.

The arts centre will also be the venue for a week of dance activities and workshops from Monday to Friday, July 24-28.