PARALYMPIAN Hazel Robson led a parade ahead of an annual carnival.

The international athletics star took part in the event on Saturday to promote Houghton Diamond Jubilee Feast, which starts at the weekend.

The event is organised by Houghton-le-Spring and District Round Table.

A spokesman said: “The event launches with a spectacular tattoo on Friday and the following day Ms Robson will be appearing at the Olympic Fun Tent on the Broadway, where members of the public can meet her and see her gold, silver and bronze medals, from 9am.

“Children can also colour and make a cardboard miners’ lamp like the one used to carry the Olympic flame.”

Ms Robson will then be leading the Round Table’s carnival parade through the town at 2pm and will be followed by Houghton-le- Spring Pipe Band, Houghton Colliery banner, Billy Purvis the Victorian Clown, and community floats.

Schoolchildren dressed as miners’ children will mark the 100th anniversary of the 1912 national strike at Houghton Colliery, and there will be vintage cars and traction engines.

Ms Robson, with one gold, two silvers and two bronzes from previous Paralympic Games appearances, was fourth in the 200m at London 2012, just missing a medal.

Further information about the festival, which runs from Friday to October 14, including its history and the 2012 programme line-up can be found at houghtonfeast.co.uk