A STAGE version of the classic children's TV show Rainbow comes to the district this month.

Durham's Gala Theatre plays host to the first date on a national autumn tour of the cult Seventies and Eighties children's favourite.

It features the much-loved characters from the television series, Zippy, George and Bungle, bringing them to a new audience.

The show is full of songs, games and giggles, as Zippy's dream of becoming a superstar DJ comes true.

But he is left with the dilemma of deciding between his friends and his burgeoning pop career.

Rainbow was recently voted Best Children's TV Show of All Time, in a survey commissioned by the BBC.

The poll asked people in the 25 to 45-year bracket to recall their favourite childhood programmes.

It proved that Rainbow remains as popular now, as in its heyday.

Rainbow Live plays on Sunday September 16, at 2.30pm, with tickets, costing £8 each, or £28 for a family ticket, from www.galadurham.co.uk, or the box office, on 0191-332-4041