SHOPPERS hitting the New Year sales at a North-East shopping centre can leave their children to enjoy a pantomime.

The MetroGnomes will be entertaining youngsters with the seasonal show, at Gateshead's MetroCentre.

The panto centres on a farewell party for the MetroGnomes' friend Millie, before she flies back to her home planet.

Her farewell party will be marked by a free fireworks display in the Riverside car park, from 7pm, on January 6.

Visitors can also see the display from the yellow multi-storey car park.

Performances of the pantomime will take place at regular intervals every day.

l Today, the centre is open from 9am to 7pm, and from 11am to 5pm tomorrow. Shops are closed on New Year's Day, although some leisure attractions remain open.

Trading returns to normal on Tuesday