AN annual funfair in a pub car park is fast becoming a popular family event.

There had not been a fair in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, since the 1970s, until showman Paul Evans revived it two years ago.

The carnival will be held in the Iron Horse car park, Emerson Way, each night from Friday, March 14 to Saturday, March 22.

Mr Evans said: "There was not a fair in Aycliffe for years until I found the Iron Horse.

"What we are doing is bringing fairgrounds back into the town centres.

"The trend in the Seventies was to have them in fields outside the town, but we are trying to get to traditional towns that have not had fairs."

Attractions this year include a new white knuckle ride, the newly restored Disney Fantasia Funfair, a Sea-storm ride, an Alice in Wonderland ride, and stalls.

The funfair will also be helping an appeal to send a Newton Aycliffe mother to the US for urgent medical treatment.

Ann Teasdale has had to have one of her legs amputated after contracting a rare condition and faces losing the other unless supporters can raise £20,000 to pay for specialist care.

A fundraising raffle will be held with a top prize of £100 worth of free rides.

Tickets are available from Bill Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057.