THE last remaining spaces in an extension to the region's biggest shopping centre have been snapped up by two Spanish retailers.

Fashion chains Mango and Bershka have taken the last available floorspace in the New Red Mall, at the Gateshead MetroCentre.

Much of the building is taken up by Debenhams, with a 180,222sq ft department store.

Other major outlets include fashion retailers H&M, River Island, and New Look.

The £85m project also features a new public transport interchange and a 1,100-space multi-storey car park.

The mall's launch party takes place on Wednesday, October 6, at 10am, with an acrobatic display, a charity balloon launch, and music from the Normandy Military Band.

The opening will be performed by Donald Gordon, chairman of Liberty International, which owns the MetroCentre, and the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Pat Ronan.