THOUSANDS of residents came together, despite grey skies, for a day of festivities at an annual parade at the weekend.

Staindrop Carnival, near Barnard Castle, boosted community spirit and saw visitors of all ages attend the event.

The gloomy weather forecast did not stop the community pulling together as the carnival attracted a large turnout and villagers of all ages went all out to impress in the fancy dress parade on Saturday.

The day saw youngsters celebrate in costumes including a penguin outfit, a bearded elderly man and a mermaid.

The carnival also saw stalls, a fun fair, 30 classic cars, vintage tractors and decorated floats as part of the procession through the village.

Tony Smith, Staindrop Carnival events manager, said: “We estimated we’d get about 3,000 or 4,000 people today as the festival has something for everybody and gets bigger every year.

“It’s one of Teesdale’s biggest parades and has been going for decade. People really get behind it. It’s a great community event.”