A TOUCH of glamour has been added to a market town's festive parade after a bunch of young people were approached to create this spectacular vehicle.

The teenagers, who enjoy the facilities at Teesdale community resources centre in Barnard Castle, came up with the goods in glittering style when contacted by the town's Meet committee.

In just a month, Ben Bright, Tom Davidson, Todd Kellett, Graham Bland and Richard Smith converted a vehicle based on a 1964 Hustler into a coach to carry Snow Queen, Danielle Bradshaw, through the streets of Barnard Castle as part of a lantern procession in the run-up to Christmas. They installed a new engine and sub-frame, with Tom being responsible for the electrics.

During the parade, Danielle will be seated in the back of the vehicle, which will be lit with fairy lights, and Father Christmas will ride in the front. They will be accompanied by Frances Lowes, Sadie Briggs, Joanne Hutchinson, Leanne Allinson, Tina Pinkney and Sarah Jane Watson as they make their way through the town. Jodie Tatchley, who has been involved in the project, was absent when the picture was taken.

The vehicle and the youngsters will also be part of a Meet musical Christmas show at the Glaxo club in December.

Mr Keith Jones, Durham County Council community education officer, said: "This week is National Youth Week and both these projects are a clear demonstration of the effort young people will make if the support and appropriate facilities are made available to them."

Mr Jones, who is known to everyone as Joe, said the projects were just a selection of the activities and opportunities young people had access to.

For further information, contact Mr Jones on 01833 690150