The 36th annual Peterlee Show is being held this weekend with highlights including a mountain bike display team, live bands, fireworks, a wild west adventure show, jazz bands, a horticultural show and a dog show.

Organisers at Peterlee Town Council say this year will see a new battle of the bands competition and a thrilling competition between firefighting crews from across County Durham called Extrication that will see officers racing to remove a casualty from a car involved in a road accident.

Councillor Bill Jeffrey, town council leader, is urging people to support the show and make it one of the best yet.

He said: "The show has always been well supported and I am sure the people of Peterlee and the surrounding area will again turn out, regardless of the weather, to enjoy this free weekend.

"The council and show committee always work hard to find something new for the show and we believe we have done it again this year.

"As well as the regular parade, jazz bands, fairground, marquees, main arena and stage acts, we have one or two new attractions including the North East Motor Salvage Battle Of The Bands in conjunction with Sun FM and Extrication, a thrilling competition fought out between fire crews from across the county."

Coun Jeffrey said as well as the strong representation from charitable and voluntary organisations, proceeds from various events such as the horticultural show, companions dog show, and archery are usually donated to charity.

People will this year also have the opportunity to make dog food donations to the Jerry Green Dog Rescue Centres.

Councillor Janice Measor, chairman of the council's show committee, added: "This year's show promises to be an excellent event."