A BELOVED carnival is set to return to a town in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

Shildon Carnival is welcoming festival-goers to a fun-filled event suitable for all ages as it makes its grand comeback.

Organisers hope the event will stir memories of Shildon Carnival in its heyday and want to welcome back old faces to the one-off event.

Carnival Fun Fairs, based in Shildon, County Durham, is resurrecting the festival thanks to owner Paul Evans.

Mr Evans said the festival was one of the biggest South West Durham events in history and would like to return it to its former glory to mark the 50th year.

He said: "The event was huge at the time and everyone in Shildon remembers it, we want to see people return to the venue who attended all those years ago with their families.

"We've put so much time into organising this event, It's going to be huge like the carnival was years ago. It was loved by everyone and I think people will be extremely pleased it is returning."

Carnival Fun Fairs has been given permission by Shildon Town Council to stage the event this year at Hackworth Park.

Once there, festival-goers can enjoy numerous display stands and stalls along with entertainment.

Among the attractions will be traditional jazz bands, a world food court and a special display of Shildon Eden vintage coaches from back in the day.

Mr Evans is bringing rides from across the decades to the venue, the attractions include a carousel of golden galloping horses he said will be remembered by young and old.

The free event will return to the town on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15.