SPECIALLY-DESIGNED banners will remind visitors about a town's renowned festival.

One of Stockton's main roundabouts has been transformed to acknowledge its International Riverside Festival.

Six pairs of banners, celebrating the event as the UK's finest street arts festival and designed by Middlesbrough-based Rocket Science, are sited at the roundabout at the Horse and Jockey Pub, Durham Road, in Stockton.

Sponsorship has come from Barratt and Haslam Homes, Stockton Borough Council's partners in the multi-million pound housing regeneration scheme at Hardwick, which is close to the roundabout.

Councillor Jean O'Donnell, council cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "For many people from outside the area, the International Riverside Festival is the one thing in Stockton they have heard of, local people are proud of it and it's great that we are creating a year-round reminder of this fantastic event.

"This welcome message to visitors should help us promote the idea that the area is culturally vibrant as well as friendly."

This year's festival takes place from August 2 to August 6.