THE first tickets went on sale yesterday for shows at Durham City's new Gala theatre.

EastEnders bad boy Nick Cotton - actor John Altman - joined Mayor Councillor George Cowper to open a temporary box office in Durham Town Hall.

The theatre, which will form the centrepiece of the Millennium City development, will open in January with a spectacular concert and an Alan Ayckbourn triple bill.

Actors Jackie King and Bill Champion, who are starring in the Ayckbourn plays at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, were also on hand to help sell the first tickets.

Jackie said: "The theatre is fabulous. It is wonderful for Durham and we are really looking forward to working here."

The temporary box office will be open until building work is completed at the Gala, at the end of the year.

John Jennings, Durham City Council's director of environmental services, said: "We have provided the Gala with a box office now because of the fantastic interest we have had from local people, all of whom want to book their seats as soon as possible for the star-studded first season.

"It is great news for Durham and the region that the Gala is now open for business and it looks set to get some rave reviews from audiences travelling to see the exceptional productions from January next year."

The temporary box office will be open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. To request a season brochure or make a booking, call 0191-383 0100.