CHILDREN'S television programme Blue Peter was broadcast live into millions of homes from a Newton Aycliffe charity shop last week.

The popular BBC children's show took over the town's Red Cross shop for a special episode promoting its Welcome Home Appeal.

The appeal aims to support the vital work the Red Cross carries out in Angola by putting families and children back in touch following years of conflict.

Presenters Matt Baker, Simon Thomas and Konnie Huq are urging viewers to help the appeal by giving clothes to Red Cross shops to sell.

On Friday they joined staff at the Newton Aycliffe branch to show viewers what happens to donated clothes to ensure the money raised from their sale goes directly to the efforts in Angola.

Pupils from Woodham Technology College and St Mary's RC Primary School starred in the show modelling some of the shop's stock.

St Mary's headteacher Anne Dockray, said: "To see live filming was an incredible experience and to get so involved with such a worthwhile cause is really good for pupils.

"They realise the problems in other parts of the world and that we can all help."

Pippa Jenkinson, a teacher at Woodham Technology College, said: "They were very excited to be part of the show, they had to keep it a secret for days beforehand and are really proud to have been part of promoting the appeal."