AN outdoor ice skating rink, climbing wall, and BMX demonstration will form part of two-day youth festival in Darlington on Thursday and Friday.

The Yo-Yo event - which stands for Your Offer, Your Opportunities - will see the Market Place transformed.

The festival will culminate on Friday evening with a live concert, starring local bands.

On Thursday, a temporary ice rink and climbing wall will be installed. There will also be demonstrations of skateboarding, BMX, and martial arts.

In the Dolphin Centre, a range of sports will be on offer, including netball, basketball, and bocha, a type of bowls.

All activities are open from 11am to 4pm, with registration from 10am.

The event is open to anyone aged 13 to 19.

On Friday, from 7pm to 9.30pm, young bands from the town - including 2 Many Units, Output, and Salmon J'Kets - will take the stage. West Yorkshire punk band Buzzkill will top the bill.

As well as taking part in Yo-Yo, youngsters will also be able to suggest future activities, and learn about what is already on offer throughout the week.

Mervyn Bell, head of Darlington Borough Council's youth service, said: "I hope lots of young people use this opportunity to find out what is on offer for them, not only during the school holidays, but every night of the week."

For more information about youth activities, log onto www.darlington.gov.uk/evibe

The Yo-Yo event is being organised by the council and The Forum Music Centre, and is funded by the Local Area Agreement and the Youth Opportunity Fund.