A CHRISTMAS village for families, shoppers and revellers has opened on Tyneside.

The Christmas Tyne, Gateshead Winter Village launched on Baltic Square, on the Quayside, on Saturday.

It features an indoor-outdoor cinema screening an array of family films, a giant Teepee with a bar, fire pits and seating.

The attraction will also host stalls selling gifts, local crafts and seasonal food.

And those last-minute wrapping nightmares can be avoided this year, as local charities will be on hand to present wrap while guests enjoy a pint or a mulled wine.

Panoramic igloo pods with views of the river, offer a venue for staff and family gatherings with food provided by the Newcastle restaurant Colonel Porter's Emporium.

Organiser Steve Davis hopes the winter village will be a popular alternative to German-themed markets.

He said: “We're super excited about the launch of Christmas Tyne and we're looking forward to giving the people of Tyneside and beyond something truly different to experience this season. We were determined to host something for the people by the people this year with all of our food, beverages and gifts sourced within 40 miles of Gateshead.”

The village is open noon to midnight every day, will run into 2019 and entry is free. For details and bookings visit ChristmasTyne.com