PEOPLE living in the North-East are more family-orientated than ever before, according to research.

A documentary to be screened on Tyne-Tees television next week follows people who work at weekends and those who do not, to see how lifestyles have changed during the past 30 years.

The programme, Just Another Day, contrasts family life today compared with 1970s, and has revealed some surprising facts about life in the North-East.

According to producers of the programme, church congregations are more committed now than before and less formal because fewer non- believers turn up out of a sense of duty.

Domestic duties are more equally shared among the sexes, and shopping is considered as fun by most at the weekend.

Families feel more welcome in pubs and restaurants than they used to, and swimming, football and cycling are now enjoyed by the whole family, rather than just children.

Executive producer Graeme Thompson said: "There existed a definite division in homes 30 years ago.

"Our film shows that children are much more the focal point of weekend activities."

The show, broadcast next Tuesday at 10.50pm, features families in Gateshead, Hartlepool, Jesmond and Light-water Valley in North Yorkshire.