NORTH-EAST superstars and TV personalities Ant and Dec have opened the real life Byker Grove.

The SMTV presenters and former Byker Grove stars were guests of honour at the opening of the Gala Field Youth Centre at Newbiggin Hall near Newcastle yesterday.

The centre, which Ant and Dec toured, will offer facilities to five to 25-year-olds. It has been funded through the Single Regeneration Budget.

It includes a multi-purpose activity hall and coffee bar, and also has an arts and craft room, information technology suite and creche and soft play facilities.

It even has its own internal radio station, Gala FM, which will provide entertainment to those using the centre and enable local youngsters to develop their media and presenting skills.

Keith Taylor, chairman of the North West Partnership, said: "It's not quite the same as Byker Grove but the work it will do is very similar."