FORMER Big Brother star Jonny Regan has announced a theatre's Christmas giveaway.

The celebrity, who is starring as the Genie in Aladdin, at Newcastle's Theatre Royal this winter, revealed that the theatre is giving away up to 700 tickets for the show to local children's charities.

It is holding a prize draw, in which the first prize will be 250 tickets, second prize 100 tickets, and third prize 50 tickets, with runners-up prizes of 20 tickets.

They will all be for the first performance of Aladdin, on Monday, December 9, at 2pm.

As the theatre is keen for the tickets to go to underprivileged children, it is asking that the winning charities do not use them for promotional purposes.

Jonny said: "It's fantastic that we're able to offer these tickets to local charities.

"As they are for the very first performance, it will add to the excitement we will all be feeling - knowing that the theatre is full of children having a great afternoon out. And they will be the first to see the show."

The prize draw is open to all North-East based registered children's charities, and they can enter by writing to Glenda Eagan, Theatre Royal, 100 Grey Street, Newcastle, NE1 6BR.

They should clearly state the charity's name and registered number, and include a contact name, telephone number and address.

The closing date is Sunday, November 17, and winners will be notified by November 30.