Forty-five hardy shoppers set off from Chester-le-Street one late November evening to go to the Christmas markets in Cologne for the weekend.

The group was made up of staff, students, parents and friends of Park View, all keen to find unusual gifts.

Set in the city centre, the markets are easily accessible by foot and made getting around easy.

The main market was in the city square against the backdrop of the famous cathedral and was a breath-taking site with its twinkling lights and bright colours.

The markets were full of food stalls and many stopped off for the odd glass of mulled wine to revive themselves a little.

The weekend was a success as was evident when we emptied the shopping from the coach when we arrived back home.