SHOPPERS have until late on Sunday afternoon to make their last-minute Christmas gift purchases at the MetroCentre.

Stores at the Gateshead indoor complex will be open on Christmas Eve for their usual Sunday hours, from 11am to 5pm.

The centre will be closed on Christmas Day, and only the leisure facilities will be open on Boxing Day.

Bargain-hunters will be out in force from Wednesday, as the sales season begins, with the centre reverting to its normal times of 9am until 9pm.

On New Year's Eve, Sunday hours will again be in operation, and shops will be closed on New Year's Day, although some leisure attractions will be open. Hours return to normal from Tuesday, January 2.

Queries over opening hours will be answered via the customer services help line, on 0191-493 0219, or 460 5299.