A POPULAR parade featuring handmade art is set to return.

The annual Crook Christmas Lights Parade will be held on Sunday, November 25, is back thanks to funding from Northern Heartlands.

Residents are being invited to get involved by taking part in a lantern making workshop with Jack Drum Arts - a community interest company that brings accessible arts activities to people of all ages and abilities across County Durham.

This year Jack Drum will be hosting the lantern making workshop for the Handmade Parade at the St Cuthbert’s Centre, Church Hill, Crook, DL15 9DN.

The sessions will be held on Saturday, October 6 and Saturday, October 13, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

One of the organisation's directors, Helen Ward, said the group was delighted that Northern Heartlands was funding the parade again and urged families to get involved in making their own lanterns which they could then join the parade with.

Artists will be sharing their skills and show participants how to weave and decorate willow to create lanterns inspired by stories of Christmas.

"We are really excited," she said.

These workshops are free however booking is essential to manage numbers and will be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis.

To book email info@jackdrum.co.uk or call 01388-765002 with names and ages of participating children and supporting adults.

Please note all children age 12 years and under must be supervised by a participating adult to create their lantern. For more information visit jackdrum.co.uk