A CITY centre turns the clock back tonight with a Victorian evening.

Shopkeepers, charity stall-holders and Tourist Information Centre staff will get in the spirit by wearing period costume for the event, in Sunderland.

In Sunderland Minster, from 6pm, there will be a seasonal service and carols performed by the Minster's handbell ringers.

Charities will be selling gifts, as will school children from 15 Young Enterprise schemes in Wearside.

Other attractions include a roast chestnut seller and a Victorian toy workshop.

The event starts at 5.30pm and covers High Street West, Market Square and The Bridges shopping centre.

A city centre spokeswoman said: "The city centre will be transformed into a scene from Dickens' Christmas Carol with a traditional Victorian market in High Street West and Market Square.'