THE region's largest shopping centre will be declared a Robot zone as contraptions from a popular television programme descend on its malls.

House Robots from BBC's Robot Wars will be at the Gateshead MetroCentre from Bank Holiday Monday next week to June 1.

The event will take place in the Town Square outside House of Fraser throughout half-term week providing free family entertainment.

There will also be the opportunity for children up to the age of 15 to design their own robots in a competition to win four tickets to see the filming of the show.