FESTIVAL organisers had a Dickens of a day laying a trail of clues for Christmas revellers to follow.

With a Dickensian theme at the heart of festive celebrations in Bishop Auckland on Sunday, members of the Town Centre Forum’s marketing group got into the spirit by dressing up as some of the author’s best known characters.

They will be back in the Market Place on Sunday for a day of traditional entertainment, carols and music.

Around 30 stalls will be selling seasonal goods and a Farmer’s Market will have a Christmas theme.

There is more entertainment on Saturday with a traditional jazz band, stilt walkers and appearances by Cinderella and Prince Charming and Priscilla the pantomime goose.

Street entertainers are also in Bishop Auckland on December 13 and 20 and there are extra Christmas markets on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Christmas week.

Group chair Sue Snowdon said: "This is our most ambitious programme of Christmas celebrations that includes community groups and schools."