VISITORS to the council chamber at Consett Civic Centre could have been forgiven for thinking they had interrupted a Blues Brothers convention.

Members of Derwentside District Council donned sunglasses for a full meeting of the local authority, to raise money for charity.

The event was part of the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity's national Shades for a Day campaign.

As well as generating funds for the charity through sponsorship, it also aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

District councillor Denise Bennett said: "Shades for a Day is a fun way of reminding everyone to look after their eyes and act 'cool' at the same time."