YOUNGSTERS put on their dancing shoes for one of Darlington’s longest-running festivals this weekend.

The Darlington Festival for Performing Arts staged its dance competition on Saturday, attracting people from across the region.

A large number of dancers showcased their skills during the festival, with some as young as three joining in.

The event saw participants from across the north pit their skills against each other in categories including tap, modern, ballet and song and dance.

The festival itself was established in 1931 and has run each year since, excluding a lull during wartime.

Linda Lawson, festival secretary, said: “It was a lovely day and we had a very high standard of dancers.

“The children seemed to enjoy it and we always try to pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming festival.”

Adjudicator and choreographer Francena Reston, who has worked with Cilla Black and Morecambe and Wise, travelled from Blackpool to oversee the competition.

The festival’s next event, taking place in March 2016, will focus on music, speech and drama.

For more information, visit dfpa.co or contact Linda Lawson on 07817 822196.