A FESTIVAL celebrating the life of one of the North-East's best selling authors has invited organisations to join the fun-packed event.

The Cookson Festival Parade will be held in South Shields on Saturday, July 3, and the theme is 30 years of parades, to mark 30 years of the South Tyneside festival.

The parade, in honour of Catherine Cookson, starts at South Shields Town Hall, and concludes in Bents park, where the annual summer fair will be held.

It will feature colourful floats, marching bands, vintage transport, uniformed organisations, and fancy dress costumes.

Groups, firms and individuals are invited to join the parade. For details, call 0191-424 7986.