ACTORS staged a performance to mark the installation of a new bench.

Paula Jo Barker and Adrian Hopper surprised onlookers with an impromptu performance on a kissing theme to mark the installation of the Kiss bench in Grey Street, Newcastle.

It was the first of nine themed pieces of street furniture to be placed in Grainger Town, which will feature different artworks carved into a glass background, and be illuminated by lights which change colour.

Ms Barker and Mr Hopper, dressed as a contemporary urban couple, kissed and cuddled underneath the covers as the bench was unveiled by Councillor Tony Flynn.

Other themes running through the Nine Things to Do On a Bench series are read, look, eat, talk, wait, meet, think and collect.

Artist Cate Watkinson and writer Julia Darling collaborated to provide designs and words to be inscribed on the central glass panels, reflecting the different themes.

Newcastle urban designers Insite Environments worked with the Grainger Town Project to create the concept for the furniture, which includes designs for seats, benches, litter bins and bollards, and funding was provided by One NorthEast.

Councillor Flynn, chair of the Grainger Town Partnership and leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "We wanted a modern and classy look for the street furniture, and also something which would be unique to the historic heart of the city.

"I believe that the results are stunning and I am looking forward to seeing both locals and visitors to the city using and admiring them on an everyday basis."