ONE of the region's most successful pop stars is supporting a campaign in her hometown arts venue.

Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall has shown her love for The Customs House by sponsoring the first gold heart in the Heart of the House appeal.

The fundraising campaign was launched to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the arts venue last year and 130 dedications have made since November 2018, raising more than £20,000 for The Customs House Trust Ltd.

Jade, 27, who shot to fame as part of Little Mix grew up in South Shields and honed her craft on The Customs House stage.

Other notable sponsors include Margaret Fay, who chairs the Board of Trustees at The Customs House, former Foreign Secretary and South Shields MP David Miliband, poet and playwright Tom Kelly and musician John Miles, who, like Jade, are both Honorary Fellows of The Customs House Academy.

Silver hearts have also been dedicated in memory of actor and director Jackie Fielding and Manchester Arena bombing victims Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry.

Ray Spencer, Executive Director of The Customs House, said: “The Heart of the House appeal has been an opportunity not only for our community to show their love and affection for The Customs House, but also a chance to remember the special people and special moments in their lives.

We are so lucky that so many individuals and companies have joined in celebrating our 25 years and helping us to lay down the foundations of the next 25 years.”

The hearts are available in four sizes and prices start at £25. They are available to buy from the box office and at www.customshouse.co.uk.