A FAIR featuring knights on horseback has been hailed a success - despite having to abandon its traditional float procession.

The medieval fair in, Sedgefield, County Durham, had to stop using floats because road closures were costing too much money.

But fair secretary John Robinson said organisers were staggered by the size of Saturday's crowds, who braved driving rain.

With the cancellation of the float procession, more people were able to take part on foot.

Mr Robinson said: "There were more people in the procession than ever. It meant that every child could take part instead of a limited number of the floats.

"We were surprised and pleased at the number of people who turned up. We have a loyal following every year and they turned out regardless of the weather. It was an excellent day."

More than 300 children from Hardwick and Sedgefield Primary Schools and the Northern Counties Caravan Club took part in the foot procession.

Hardwick's George and Dragon tableau won the costume competition, judged by sponsors Marion and David Owens, from Minsters Restaurant.

Dancers performed on the green and around the village and there were stalls, face painting, and other entertainment at Ceddesfield Hall and in the church, where the tower was open. There was music on the organ and from the Lyric Singers.

Bethan Lindsay, ten, was the flower queen. Her attendants were Bethany McCleod, eight, Georgia Peacock, six, Imogen Shipley, six and ten-year-old Elizabeth Temperley.