THE region witnessed another summer weekend packed with events and activities and blessed with dry, warm and often sunny weather.

A band led the traditional parade through Stockton-on-the-Forest, near York, for the village's carnival, thanks to the Evening Press.

Organisers made an appeal in the newspaper after it emerged that though the Golden Rail Band would be able to play at the carnival site, it would not be able to lead the parade.

However, St Chad's Greys Scout Band answered the appeal in the Press and came forward to offer its services.

Evening Press editor Liz Page also performed the official opening to get the carnival off to a great start.

In York, youngsters were chuffed to meet the Fat Controller at a Thomas the Tank Engine Party held at the Barbican Centre for the winners of the Early Learning Centre's Design An Engine competition.

More than 50 young designers from across the North of England got the chance to ride the Thomas train and play on the Thomas bouncy castle.

Meanwhile, top dogs were out in force for a regional heat of the RSPCA's annual Dog of the Year show, held at the RSPCA animal home in Landing Lane, Acomb.

Now in its tenth year, the event is aimed at finding the top crossbreed in England and Wales, with strictly no pedigrees, and the grand final takes place in Surrey in September.

In York city centre, local artists gathered to exhibit their drawings, paintings and pottery at an open air art exhibition in Parliament Street.

Ten per cent of the proceeds from sales was donated to the Lord Mayor's charity.

At Easingwold, the sounds of brass bands filled the air for the town's annual Big Bands Day.

Brass bands, mainly from West Yorkshire, gave performances as they marched around the market place, hoping to impress the judges.

Updated: 13:15 Monday, July 02, 2001