Town becomes a winter wonderland

Middlesbrough's town centre square has been transformed into a winter wonderland during Saturday and Sunday with 50 tonnes of snow.

Professional skiers are showing off their moves on an artificial slope and there is also a snow slide.

The event has been organised by Middlesbrough Council to provide a diversion from Christmas shopping.

The real snow was lorried in from the SNO!zone indoor ski centre in Castleford, Leeds, in Yorkshire.

Councillor David Budd, executive member for regeneration and economic development for the council, said: "This weekend will demonstrate once again how fortunate we are in Middlesbrough to have one of the largest and most attractive public squares in Europe at the heart of our town centre."

Participants are being urged to dress up warmly during the weekend.