NORTH-EAST TV personalities Ant and Dec have been asked to open an activity centre described as a "real-life Byker Grove".

The pair will launch the Gala Field Youth Centre, at Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle, today.

The SMTV presenters, otherwise known as Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, made their names on the popular Byker Grove television show, filmed in the city.

The centre will offer a wide range of facilities to young people between five and 25.

It has been made possible by the North West Partnership, through Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) funding of more than £1.8m.

At the heart of the centre is a multi-purpose activity hall providing a venue for local clubs and societies. It also features a coffee bar.

Other facilities include an arts and crafts room and an information technology and multi-media room, a creche and a soft play area, allowing it to cater for the youngest of local residents.

Chairman of the North West Partnership, Councillor Keith Taylor, said: "It is great that we have managed to get two local celebrities like Ant and Dec to come along to open the centre.

"It is not quite the same as Byker Grove, but the work it will do is very similar.

"This has been a flagship project for the North West SRB Partnership, and its design has been based on what local people said they wanted in their area.

"Congratulations should be given to everyone involved with this project."