A NORTH-EAST shopping centre is backing Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Impressionist Faith Brown has also added her support to the campaign, which will run throughout this month.

She took a break from her role as Norma Desmond, in Sunset Boulevard, at the Theatre Royal to be on hand yesterday at Eldon Garden, Newcastle, when the appeal was launched.

The centre was filled with pink ribbons, the emblem of the appeal. The central atrium has a stand with information on screening, provided by the Royal Victoria Infirmary, to be staffed on Saturdays.

All of the shops in Eldon Garden have collection boxes, where customers can make donations. The funds will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care and Imperial Cancer Research.

Ms Brown will be appearing at the Theatre Royal until Saturday.