MORE than 1,000 people attended a free fun day yesterday aimed at making people more environmentally aware.

The Action Packed Futures event took place in the grounds of the Aykley Heads Estate, in Durham.

The main attraction was Weapons of Sound, a band that make music from discarded materials such as gas pipes, shopping trolleys and a kitchen sink.

There was also music from Newcastle All Stars Steel Orchestra and a display of BMX bike stunt riding from the Cycleforce 2000 club, in Durham.

An environmentally friendly village was also set up. It included a garden created inside a tent by Rosedale and Victoria Allotments Association, from Willington.

The event was organised by Durham County Council and the county's district and borough councils, with environmental group Groundwork.

A spokeswoman for the organisers said: "The aim behind the day was to highlight sustainable living in a fun way without ramming it down people's throats.

"Even the magician was pulling rabbits out of a hat, then telling people how to look after them properly."

* Aykley Heads, which is Durham Police's headquarters, was also the venue for a seven-a-side girls' football tournament this weekend.

Organiser PC Ian Kirkup said: "There has been a lot of good football played competitively in the spirit of the game."

Chester-le-Street Ladies beat Blyth Town in the under-16s final, while Norton and Stockton won a penalty shoot-out against Sunderland in the under 12s final.

The under-10s' winner was Sunderland, who beat Cramlington. The under 14s title also went to Sunderland.