RESIDENTS went back to their roots this weekend, when a Wear Valley village celebrated its Saxon origins.

Two days of entertainment, exhibitions and workshops centred Escomb's Saxon church, which was built in 670AD.

Saxon re-enactment group Theod camped near the village. Other attractions included a carnival, village fair, live music and 'Saxon Social,' where food and dancing were on the menu.

But celebrations looked set to be set back when the festival nearly lost its top act.

Folk duo Caim were booked to star, but companies who said they would pay for the transport of Belfast singer Jacynth Hamil and Scottish singer Heather Innes pulled out. Things looked black for the celebration until the council stepped in at the eleventh hour.

Escomb councillor Derek Jago said: "There was a panic when we had problems with the sponsorship, but luckily the council have just stepped in. It was very, very good news and we're very, very grateful to Wear Valley Council for stepping in.