A CULT children's TV programme is taking to the stage in the North-East.

Rainbow, which ran on ITV from 1972 to 1992, was voted best children's TV show of all time in a poll for the BBC.

The animal puppet characters Bungle, Zippy and George became household names along with presenter Geoffrey Hayes.

Rainbow Live! Zippy Superstar DJ is a new stage show featuring Bungle, Zippy and George that kicks off its British tour at the Gala Theatre in Durham City on Sunday, September 16 at 2.30pm.

The show tells the story of Zippy's dream of becoming a Superstar DJ comes true and how he has to decide between his friends and his pop career.

Gala director Simon Stallworthy said: "Rainbow is a bit of a cult. I think it might well have a bit of a student following as well as adults who remember it from their childhood.

"We had Geoffrey Hayes in our panto in 2005 and since then we have tried to get them and fit them in our schedule.

"It should sell out. Kids shows are always popular, there is always a big demand for them.'' Tickets cost £8 (family tickets £28) and are available from the box office on 0191-332 4041.

Exclusive Rainbow T-shirts will be given to 40 Rainbow ticket purchasers who quote T-shirt when booking.