DARLINGTON Market Square will be transformed into a beach resort for two weeks later this month as part of the annual "Darlington by the Sea" event.

The beach transformation is part of a fortnight of activities in the Market Square organised by business improvement district company Distinct Darlington.

It will include a huge TV screen playing movies, street theatre, games, rides, and workshops.

Building supplies merchat Jewson is supplying the 40 tons of sand required for the event with a further ten tons on standby to ensure the 'beach' remains topped up for the full event.

Graeme Wilson, general manager at Jewson said: "We're delighted to be helping transform the Darlington Market Town into a seaside resort for the summer; somewhere for the residents and visitors to relax and have fun locally.

"It's important for the community to come together and events such as this provide the opportunity to appeal to new visitors and create an attractive, fun and safe destination."

The fortnight long occasion will launch with the "Change for Life Roadshow" promoting healthy and sporting activities for the whole family.

The event starts on Thursday, July 24, and runs until Thursday, August 7.