WET weather failed to dampen the spirits of residents from three villages in Teesdale over the weekend as they held their summer carnivals.

Eggleston, Ingleton and Cotherstone brightened the mood in Teesdale on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but were not given a helping hand by Mother Nature, with rain on all three days.

Cotherstone Fun Weekend started on Friday with the 1k and 2k fun runs, won by Ben Sartin and Callum Matthews respectively. The traditional quoits competition fell victim to the weather and had to be cancelled, but the fun resumed on Saturday with the procession.

"I think we had about 100 people dressed up for the procession, which is the most I've ever seen," said Jenny Watson from the organising committee.

"We are hopeful that we have raised a lot of money because we always share it out among local charities."

Yesterday, saw the football competition and sports day on the Hagg, and a church service on the village green.

Ingleton village fair raised more than £1,500 for the upkeep of the village hall.

"It was a really successful day and everyone seemed to enjoy it," said one of the organisers, Hazel Whitehead.

"When it tanked it down, the children were still playing around outside in the rain.

"We need events like this because the costs of running the hall can sometimes be like having a watering can with a hole in it. There is always money going out."

Traditional games, a fancy dress competition, a tombola and raffle and music from the Durham South Regional Wind Band kept young and old entertained while the Women's Institute served teas.

Visitors and villagers at Eggleston Carnival were blessed with dry weather for Saturday's event.

Organisers reported a good attendance and a ten per cent increase in profits after the event, which featured fancy dress, games, shows and craft stalls.

Winners in the fancy dress ranged from a tin of Ambrosia rice pudding to a clown.

The Harold Stoddart Memorial Cup for the best fancy dress was won by the Bainbridge and Hutchinson families, who dressed as the cast of the Sheila's Wheels advert.

"We always are well supported by the village and we also get people coming to enjoy the carnival," said organiser Dave Smith.

"It was a very good day and we had a great turnout."