YOUNGSTERS lent shoppers a helping hand 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 will go towards buying 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 May 25 to 29. Performances start at 7.20pm and there will be a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm. Tickets are £5 for adults (£4 concessions).

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

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

For further details, contact 0191-388 3778.