Children's programme Blue Peter was broadcast live into millions of homes from a North-East charity shop yesterday.

The popular BBC children's show took over the Red Cross store, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, for an episode promoting its Welcome Home Appeal.

The appeal aims to support the vital work the Red Cross carries out in Angola by putting families and children back in touch following years of conflict.

Presenters Matt Baker, Steve Thomas and Konnie Huq are asking viewers to help the appeal by giving clothes to Red Cross shops to sell.

Yesterday, they joined staff at the Newton Aycliffe branch to show viewers what happens to donated clothes to ensure the money raised from their sale goes directly to the efforts in Angola.

Konnie said: "While we were filming Red Cross work in Angola for the programme, one of the most moving stories we told was that of 15-year-old Idalina.

"She had been separated from her family for five years, but, through the Red Cross tracing service, they had been found.

"By donating unwanted clothing - five bags can help someone trace a relative - we can really make a difference."

Pupils from Woodham Technology College and St Mary's RC Primary School, both in the town, starred in the show, modelling some of the shop's stock.

Anne Dockray, headteacher at St Mary's school, said: "To see live filming was an incredible experience and to get so involved with such a worthwhile cause is really good for the children. They realise the problems in other parts of the world and that we can all help."

Lynne McMahon, the charity's UK retail manager, said: "The response has already been incredible. About 60,000 information packs have been sent out since Monday and phone lines were jammed by 1.2million people wanting to get involved.

"After 29 years of unrest in Angola, 90 per cent of its people have been displaced. They may have fled the fighting or have been abducted by rebel forces.

"People don't even know if loved ones are alive, so the trace and messaging service the Red Cross provides is really important to give them news and hopefully reunite many of them."