THREE days of sun, sea and sand has returned to a town in an ever-popular annual family event.

Darlington by the Sea will have its last day today as the beach-themed event runs from Thursday July 25 to Saturday July 27.

From 11am until 5pm families can enjoy sandcastle building, face painting, balloon modelling, clowns Dot and Zooky, circus skills with Tom Rolf, bubble show and more.

Over 40 tonnes of sand has been installed in the Market Square to form a beach area miles away from the sea.

The event has been organised by Darlington Borough Council and sponsored by local bus service Arriva.

Councillor Alan Marshall, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “This is a really popular family event which will help to kick start a fun packed programme of events and activities throughout the summer holidays to keep boredom at bay and will also encourage people to come into town to enjoy what’s on offer. Many thanks to Arriva for supporting this event.”

Nathan Stanislawski, Arriva’s general manager at Darlington, added: “We are delighted to support this event and to help encourage people to come into town, especially on one of our regular services into Darlington”