YOUNGSTERS took to the stage at the region's biggest shopping centre as stars in a festive production.

Pupils from Glynwood Primary School and Harlow Green Junior School, both in Gateshead, launched a week of Nativity plays at the town's MetroCentre.

They performed the story of Christ's birth in front of hundreds of shoppers in Exhibition Square.

They were followed yesterday by pupils from two of the town's other schools, Cedars School and Falla Park Primary, who had a similar chance to shine.