SCHOOLS and community groups across Darlington are preparing for the procession in the town’s annual Community Carnival.

Children are creating banners and masks on the theme of “Carnival of the Animals” to highlight the plight of endangered species.

Each participating group has been given their own continent and each child has chosen their own animal to recreate from that continent.

Dean Heslop of Kings Performing Arts has been assisting the children, thanks to a generous grant from the County Durham Foundation, and he is also teaching the children choreography to enable them to perform in the parade.

He said: “It’s been fabulous working with young people across Darlington in preparation for the Community Carnival.

“There will be about 20 groups taking part with wonderful creative homemade costumes representing the world’s most endangered species.” He added: “It will be spectacular.”

The carnival will take place on Saturday June 25. Activities begin in the Market Square at 10am, followed by the carnival parade, which leaves the square at noon, and travels through the town to Stanhope Park.