SIXTIES crooners The Drifters led a rendition of The Star Spangled Banner as the North-East marked its historic ties with the USA.

The traditional Fourth of July celebration took place today (July 4) at Washington Old Hall, ancestral home of George Washington, the first president of the Unites States.

As the Stars and Stripes fluttered above their heads, the American soul singers performed the national anthem before a large crowd gathered for the annual event.

There were also readings from the American Declaration of Independence and Martin Luther King’s inspirational “I Have A Dream” speech, read by Broadway Junior School pupil Martyn Foster, along with a stirring rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

After the ceremony at the Old Hall, civic leaders moved the short distance to Washington Village Green to unveil new ornamental railings installed to protect the commemorative trees planted in 1976 by British Prime Minister Jim Callaghan and visiting US President Jimmy Carter.

A Friendship Agreement was signed between Sunderland and Washington DC in 2006 to celebrate the long-standing links between the two cities.

Sunderland City Council leader Cllr Paul Watson said: "The city is very proud of our Friendship Agreement with Washington DC, which takes our unique historical connection and sets out to create opportunities which will bring very real benefits for both of our communities.

"The Independence Day celebrations in Washington help us celebrate some of the very positive things that we have been doing with our friends and colleagues in America.

“I look forward to seeing these opportunities develop further in the months and years ahead."