Patriotic celebrations have been staged at a popular museum to mark Empire Day.

Beamish was awash with colour this weekend as the town's cobbled streets were decked out with Union Jack flags and red, white and blue bunting.

Durham Army Cadet Force's Borneo Band performed on both days in the bandstand of the town, which recreates life from 1913.

The Co-op grocery shop window had a colourful display of goods from the colonies including teas from Ceylon and India, and sugar cane and bananas from Jamaica.

Empire Day was first held in 1092 following the end of the Boer War and is traditionally held on May 24, the birthday of Queen Victoria.

It was aimed at encouraging people to be aware of their duties as citizens of the British Empire.

It was celebrated each year until 1959 when it was re-named Commonwealth Day.