A WEARDALE Christmas extravaganza will be held this weekend, with entertainment for all ages on offer.

The Stanhope Christmas event on Sunday will feature two bands, street entertainment, displays, a treasure hunt as well as a visit from Father Christmas.

The Weardale Railway will also begin its Santa Specials service this weekend, and the Stanhope Community Partnership will be running free buses between the railway station and market place.

The free event in the grounds of the Durham Dales Centre and other sites throughout the town runs from 11am to 4pm.