STREETS were lit up by an enchanting winter procession through a County Durham town at the weekend.

Mythical beasts went on parade alongside giant puppets, star constellations were brought to life by dancers, people carried lanterns and there was live music at Crook Winter Light Parade.

The Northern Echo:

The event was a collaboration between professional artists and performers working alongside talented young people, community groups and schools from Crook and the surrounding villages.

It ended with the switching on of the town's festive decorations, much to the delight of the many families that wrapped up warm to join the fun.

The Northern Echo:

The event coordinator Lucy Ridley, from creative business Jack Drum Arts which hosted the event, said Sunday was an incredible night.

She said: "The event brought so much colour and joy to the streets of Crook. It’s incredible for Jack Drum Arts to be able to showcase the talent of local people and all the various groups we have worked with.

"We are especially proud of our young people for working in collaboration with us to do something truly special for our community bringing months of hard work to fruition.

"Hats off to all the artists, musicians, dancers, performers, young leaders, and everyone who participated; lantern-makers, marshals, volunteer puppeteers – a real community effort of light and laughter."

The Northern Echo:

Funding for the parade was provided by Virgin Money Foundation, Awards for All, County Durham Community Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, 3 Towns Area Action Partnership alongside Durahm County Councillors Patricia Jopling, Andrea Patterson and Anne Reed.