TWO shopping centres in a North-East town are hoping to attract visitors with a variety of entertainment.
The rival shopping centres in Middlesbrough, have launched programmes of events and activities aimed at attracting shoppers and their children during the school summer holidays.
The Hill Street Centre is hoping to attract visitors with a magic theme and it could also win them prizes.
The centre has also recruited illusionist David Diamond to entertain, while there will be a Harry Potter look-alike competition and face painting, entertainment from Mr Trix, and magic from Jasper and Merlin.
The Cleveland Shopping Centre is providing a seaside theme.
Punch and Judy, face painters, clowns and a strolling street musician are making an appearance at the centre.
There are competitions with hundreds of pounds of shopping vouchers as prizes. A talent competition for 11 to 18-year-olds will buy time in a recording studio for the winner.
Cleveland Shopping Centre manager David Ward said: "We have a great line up this summer to keep the whole family entertained.
"The Top Spot singing competition is going to be even bigger and better this year and there are some fabulous prizes. It's very exciting - we could find the next Kylie or Justin."
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