A THEATRICAL family are still on a high after getting film star treatment in France.

Derek Smith and sons Jamie, 12, and Luke, ten, from Chester-le-Street, were greeted at Disneyland Paris like Hollywood legends.

The amateur dramatics enthusiasts had won a national competition to remake a scene from the Disney movie Haunted Mansion.

They were welcomed at the airport in Paris by a chaperone and whisked across the French capital by limousine.

They entered their hotel on a red carpet and were met by a throng of photographers, cheering fans and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Mr Smith said: "It was like being at the Oscars. It was an unbelievable feeling and great for the kids."

During their five-day stay, they were pampered by Disney staff while theatrical experts gave them expert advice on how to make the most of their performance.

They were even coached by French film star Gerard Depardieu, who gave advice on how to handle their new found stardom. As well as remaking a scene from the film, they were followed by camera crews who documented their stay.

The theme park did the same to families from France, Germany and Spain and, as an added twist, Disney is pitting them against each other on the Internet. Nobody knows what the winner will get but it goes online on Tuesday and one lucky voter will get a free holiday for four at Disneyland Paris.

To vote for the Smiths, log on to www.needmagic.co.uk