YOUNG stars of the stage lent shoppers a helping hand at the weekend to raise cash for much-needed equipment.

Members of Chester-le-Street Theatre Group's junior section spent Saturday packing bags at the town's Iceland store.

Proceeds raised from the event will go towards buying new microphones needed for the group's production of the musical, Fame.

The show will be staged at Park View Community Centre, Chester-le-Street, from Tuesday until Saturday next week. Performances start at 7.20pm and there will be a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.

Tickets are £5 for adults and £4 for concessions.

It will be followed by the theatre group's senior section production of The Fifteen Streets by Catherine Cookson, at the Community Theatre, Newcastle Bank, Chester-le-Street.

This will run from Tuesday, June 15, to Saturday, June 19. All performances start at 7.15pm. Tickets are £4.50 for adults and £3.50 for concessions.

For further details contact (0191) 388 3778.