Durham, England

Shoppers will be transported to the 1940s this weekend as a County Durham town turns back the clock.
Bishop Auckland town centre will be the setting for wartime entertainment, a forties fashion show and a display of military vehicles on Saturday, 31 July.
This is the seventh year the event, which is organised by Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum and Durham County Council, has taken place.
Visitors will be able to join the Lindy Jazz Dancers as they swing their way around Newgate Shopping Centre.
Also taking to the stage will be the Tees Valley Jazzmen, who will be joined by the Fenner Sisters performing their tribute to the Andrews Sisters.
Performances, lasting about 30 minutes, will take place at 11am, 1pm and 2pm.
A flavour of forties fashion will be on offer during a special fashion show at noon, while a selection of military vehicles and uniforms will be on display in Newgate Street from 10am to 4pm.
Steve McCormick, Bishop Auckland town centre manager, said: “This event is part of an ever-growing programme of activities in Bishop Auckland town centre and well worth a visit.
“Come along and experience the special atmosphere the day creates and, of course, enjoy some shopping too.”

Residents of all ages are being invited to come and celebrate the climax of a huge fund raising push which has seen a County Durham play area transformed.
Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street will host a special day of activities to mark the completion of a £50,000 facelift funded by Durham County Council. £25,000 of the money came from the council directly and that sum was matched by local member, Cllr. Beattie Bainbridge, via the Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership (AAP).
One of the priorities for Chester-le-Street and District AAP is improving the range and quality of activities and places for young people.
Cllr Bainbridge is delighted with the results at the Riverside: “These improvements are helping Riverside Park become ‘everyone’s park area’. The huge range of facilities we are now able to offer at this fabulous park will no doubt make sure families of all ages can enjoy themselves in a safe and fun environment.
“It’s a real asset for the town.”
Cllr Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, agrees:
”The improvements to Riverside Park show just what can be achieved when the local community are involved in decision making.
“With AAP support, and funding from Cllr Bainbridge and the council, Chester-le-Street residents and visitors can now enjoy this area even more.”
With old school games like hopscotch and snakes and ladders, outdoor gym equipment, a revamped children’s play area, picnic area and sports pitches, the facelift provides improved facilities for people of all ages.
The new play area will be officially opened on Saturday, 7 August as part of National Playday.
A whole host of activities have been organised to showcase the new facilities and the park in general including football coaching with Waldridge Park FC, multi-skills sessions, old school games sessions and wildlife sessions.
Chester-le-Street and District AAP has recently achieved Investing in Children status – recognised for giving young people a choice.  
 

Youngsters with disabilities will hit the beach tomorrow to take part in a seaside litter pick.
Members of East Durham Positive Inclusion Partnership have volunteered to help clear rubbish from Seaham beach as part of a six-week holiday activity programme.
The group of 30 young people will be joined by civic pride officers and coast and countryside rangers from Durham County Council for the event on Tuesday, 27 July.
Pauline Walker, Durham County Council senior civic pride officer, said: “The young people are always willing to take part in activities that benefit their community as a whole so they are looking forward to the litter pick.
“The activity will also give them the opportunity to learn more about the work of our civic pride officers and coast and countryside rangers and about the importance of looking after our environment.”
The six-week activity programme has been funded by the county council’s Short Breaks scheme.

Feathers will fly next month when some special visitors wing their way to a County Durham museum.
Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum will play host to an eagle and vulture show on Sunday, 29 August.
The show combines flying displays by a selection of beautiful and unusual birds with an amusing but educational commentary.
The stars of the shows include Dyson the Ruppell’s Griffin Vulture, Sidney the Bald Eagle and Milky the Eagle Owl, who is just learning to fly.
The birds will be on-site from 10.30am, with flying displays taking place at 1pm and 3pm.
Normal admission charges apply.