ABOUT 1,000 youngsters took to the streets yesterday - to celebrate the success of summer play schemes in Middlesbrough.

Children who have attended 25 play schemes, paraded through the town centre in a mini mardi gras costume procession on the theme of the enviroment.

Councillor Pat Walker, Mayor of Middlesbrough, who waved the children off, said: "The play schemes provide affordable, constructive activity for thousands of youngsters every summer."