A NEW Monopoly version based on a North-East city is expected to have sold out by Christmas.

Since its launch last month, the Sunderland version of the popular board game has far outstripped predicted sales.

It is selling so well that the firm behind it, Winning Moves UK, estimates that up to 100,000 will have been bought by December 23.

Such has been the demand for the game, featuring the Stadium of Light on the highest value Mayfair square and other attractions such as Sunderland Minster and Silksworth Ski Slope, that there has already been a second print run.

But promoter Graham Barnes said that even this would not be enough.

"The demand has taken us all by surprise," he said.

"Incredibly, we have underestimated even the second print run, and we are getting to the point where we could go on a third print run.

"By Saturday, December 23, the games will have run out and by December 25, we can confidently predict that the only games in existence that aren't in people's homes will be in Santa's sleigh."

The Sunderland game was launched after the city narrowly beat Durham in a poll.

It follows the introduction of the first regional customised board, depicting Newcastle and Gateshead, four years ago, which is still among the best-selling versions.

Before it even appeared in the shops, the Sunderland board had attracted the most advance sales for a city Monopoly.

Mr Barnes put its success down to the area's strong family tradition.

"The North-East is a tight-knit family area and it's a family game," he said.

The Sunderland Monopoly game is still available from the city's WH Smiths, Joplings, and Woolworths, or online from www.playaday.-com