ORGANISERS of an annual carnival have praised the local community for coming to its aid in its time of need.

The Barnard Castle Meet parade, in County Durham, looked unlikely to go ahead after it was revealed several thousand pounds were missing from committee funds.

A local man was later arrested and released on police bail in connection with the missing money.

But after urgent fundraising events by local businesses, individuals and organisations, the Bank Holiday event has been hailed a "tremendous success" by organisers.

Chairperson of the meet committee, Rachel Tweddle, said: "It has been such hard work to get to this point. Everyone who has been involved has been working 24 hours a day over the last few weeks. But when you saw all the floats lined up, you knew it was worth it.

"The procession was absolutely fantastic. Everything just came together at the last minute and we have definitely raised all the money we need.

"It has been great and we're so grateful to everybody who helped us along the way."

First place in the float competition went to the Craigmore House Care Home for its Flamenco-style entry.

Second went to the Barnard Castle YMCA for the Heritage Project float and third place went to the Barnard Castle under 12s football team for its football-theme.