More than 50 people enjoyed a jubilee picnic in Bessingham this week.

Organised at Rectory Cottage, the group ate lunch while listening to a local folk band on Monday.

There was also an exhibition of photos and articles all about the village in former times. Everyone was asked to write their names on the village plan to show where they lived as a way of getting to know each other.

A spokesman for organisers Bessingham Society said: 'It was a very successful event organised to promote more community spirit and will be followed soon by the official inauguration of the new village sign.'