VILLAGERS turned out in force at the weekend for a festival that is nearly 1,000 years old.

Houghton Feast, held each October since the 1100s in Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, began on Friday.

The celebrations are thought to have begun in the early 12th Century as a festival for the dedication of the parish Church of St Michael and All Angels.

Nowadays, it is organised by Sunderland City Council.

On Saturday, youngsters took part in a carnival parade and visitors had the chance to enjoy a fairground and the annual Scottish pipe band competition.

The festivities continued yesterday with a performance by Friends of Jazz, featuring Mia, in Houghton Sports Centre.

The highlight of the ten-day celebration is the traditional ox roasting, organised by Houghton Rotary Club, that takes place today.

Houghton Rector Bernard Gilpin is believed to have started the custom in the 16th Century.

He fed the poor of the parish at Michaelmas by donating a hog or bullock for them to roast, an act of kindness that earned him the title Apostle of the North.

The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Jim Scott, will serve up a slice of history when he carries out the carving ceremony on Rectory Field, at 4pm.

This is followed by a free fireworks display at Durham Road Playing Fields, at 7.30pm, arranged by the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain.

The evening concludes with the Fabulous 50s and Swinging 60s Variety Show by Leah Bell, in Houghton Kepier School, from 8pm.

Further events are planned throughout the week and the festival draws to a close on Saturday with a horticultural show.