A SHOPPING centre's "heads of fun" have come up with the idea of having cookery sessions for children during half term.

Shopping centres intu Eldon Square, in Newcastle and intu Metrocentre, in Gateshead, are running the free events in February.

The activity was chosen by Esther Bennett, 10, a pupil at Lumley Junior School, near Chester-le-Street, and seven-year-old Logan Jackson Luke, who goes to Pittington Primary School, near Durham.

The pair are "heads of fun" at the Metrocentre and have the job of trying to make the centre child friendly.

Karen Carr, regional marketing manager for intu north, said: “More than 70 per cent of our guests have young families so we’ll be helping them make the most of half term with the opportunity for children to leave the centre having cooked up amazing treats or picked up a new skill they can try again at home.

“intu Metrocentre's talented Heads of Fun helped us to come up with the theme that we hope will put a smile on the face of every little chef in our centres this half term.

Half term activities at at Metrocentre include making smoothies, decorating biscuits and taste testing and take place from Monday, February 20 and Saturday, February 25.

Workshops are also being held at Eldon Square from Monday, February 20 to Wednesday, February 22 between 11am and 4pm.

Activities are free and open to all ages. Visit www.intu.co.uk for full details.