CHARACTERS from children’s stories helped bring a village parade alive over the weekend.

Crowds turned out in the glorious sunshine to take part in the annual Staindrop Carnival, near Barnard Castle, in County Durham.

This year’s event included classic cars, vintage tractors as well decorated floats as part of the procession through the village.

One was decorated to look like the magical Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter series of books about a boy wizard and his friends.

Families also recreated characters from classics such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, 101 Dalamations, Beauty and the Beast and the Tales from Beatrix Potter.

There was plenty of room for comic book superheroes as well with some youngsters taking part as Batman, Superman and Ironman.

Carnival king and queen this year were Toby Howey and Aimee Kilford.

The event dates back to 1957.

Tony Smith, Staindrop Carnival events manager, said: “Everyone had a good. It is getting bigger each year. It is going from strength to strength.”