Theatre-lovers are being given the chance to make their name in drama.

Northern Stage is offering enthusiasts the chance of immortality with a new seat "selling" scheme.

From May next year, the group will be transforming the outdated Newcastle Playhouse into the European Centre for the Performing Arts.

By then, the building will have a new auditorium, up to date equipment and backstage facilities and a grand new foyer.

It will also have 500 comfortable new seats, with each one looking for a name.

For £250, Northern Stage will engrave a name or message on a seat and hope arts lovers will indulge their partners with early Christmas gifts.

The seats can either be paid for with a lump sum or spread across a year in installments.

Gift Aid will contribute £70 for every seat purchased.

Among those who have already signed up for a seat is Nina Sosanya, who is starring as Rosalind in the RSC's production of As You Like It at the Playhouse.