A COMMUNITY has pulled out all the stops to try to revive one of its traditions.

Over the years, the carnival at St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, has fallen by the wayside, but residents are determined that it will once again become one of the highlights on the village calendar.

The St Helens Residents' Association has secured grants from Awards For All and Wear Valley District Council to host the event on Saturday, June 26.

Resident John Wilson said: "One of the aims is to get people back together again. St Helens is classed as a deprived area and we are trying to fight back to get this community thriving again.''

Middlewood Green will be the focal point for the event, which will feature falconry displays, fairground rides, a parade, The Legionnaires Jazz Band, various stalls, a car boot sale and a five-a-side tournament for youngsters between the ages of eight and 18.

The dedicated team of volunteers started out on their task in January and are hoping that people will attend to support their efforts.

Mr Wilson said: "It does take a lot of work when you start something off like this, but we are hoping that once we hold the first one we will come back bigger and better again the year after.''

The association has managed to get the children of the village involved in the big launch by asking pupils at St Helen Auckland Primary School to design a carnival logo.

They have also approached businesses and the local nursing home to try to get extra support on the day.

Resident Kevin Graham said: "We have had a really good response from local businesses and members of the community who are looking forward to seeing the carnival again. We have got to get over the fact that the association is working towards making a better life for people in St Helens.''

Tables and car boot sale spaces are still available. Anyone wishing to hire a table for £10, or a car space for £5, can contact the association on (01388) 604035.