A COUPLE will soon be handed the title of Lord and Lady of Teesside, following a competition by a shopping centre.

The Hill Street Centre, in Middlesbrough, has bought the title and offered it up as the main prize in a competition at the centre.

To commemorate the honour children were asked to come up with a design for a plaque for the new dignitaries.

Bernice Saltzer, a spokeswoman for the centre, said: "Whoever wins will be able to sign themselves on cheques as Lord or Lady Teesside. It is a genuine title they are going to receive."

The winners of the title are expected to be announced at the end of this month.