A MASS picnic in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox was held in Darlington's South Park yesterday as part of a nationwide event to bring people together.

White Rose Darlington hosted the picnic in memory of Ms Cox's 'more in common' message.

Other events connected with the second annual Great Get Together were also held in North Park Darlington, Middlesbrough's Albert Park, Durham, Hartlepool, Easington, Saltburn, and Redcar.

The national events were inspired by the MP, who was murdered in her constituency two years ago. This weekend would have been her 44th birthday.

The South Park picnic featured performances including the UK Chili Peppers, Mike May and Caribbean Cowboys.

There were also stalls, arts and crafts, bowling, bike security marking and face painting.

Peter Greenwood, of organisers White Rose Darlington, said: "We've had a superb afternoon, I'd say we've had about 500 people here, and the bands were fantastic, the weather has been superb and the stalls have done well.

“Jo was a tireless campaigner for justice and tolerance.

"Her life was marked by her compassion and by her passion. She wanted a fairer, kinder and more tolerant world.

“Like the Jo Cox Foundation, White Rose Darlington believes there is a groundswell of people who reject divisive politics and hate-speech.

"We will stand up against bigotry in all its forms and, at the Great Get Together, we want Darlington to celebrate all that unites us.”

Kim Leadbeater, Jo Cox’s sister, said: “The Great Get Together has shown us that there is a groundswell of people who reject divisive politics and simply want to bring communities across the North East together and celebrate all that unites us."

Prime Minister Theresa May described the events as a “fitting legacy for a much-loved and much-missed MP” while the Archbishop of Canterbury said that Jo’s murder “had a profound and lasting effect on so many” and praised the Great Get Together as an opportunity “for people of all faiths and none to unite".

The 2018 Great Get Together, with street parties, barbecues and picnics, builds on the success of last year when over 120,000 events, large and small, took place across the UK to mark Ms Cox's anniversary.