SHOPPERS at the North-East's largest shopping centre have noticed that the newest store to the malls is a real gem.

Market Cross Jewellers, which has opened in the Green Mall, is a well-established chain of high street jewellers originally from Guisborough, east Cleveland.

It is the first of 13 branches to be based in an out-of-town shopping centre and the first store to open in the Tyne and Wear area.

Company general manager Dawn Conley said: "When the site in MetroCentre came up we felt that it was ideal for us.

"It is a high profile site and we are delighted with the location.

"We have employed five new staff at the store all from the Gateshead/Newcastle area and expect to employ more in due course."