A TEESSIDE high street is expected to become a hive of activity from this weekend, with the arrival of Sunday shopping.

Stockton Borough Council has liaised with shops and businesses in the High Street to get as many as possible on board, with the result that 44 shops are to be open for business on Sundays.

As well as major high street names, several small businesses will be open, including Barnacles, Fun City and Appleyards the Locksmiths.

Sunday shopping kicked off with the finale of Busk Idol in the High Street last week, where buskers competed in an X-Factor-style competition to win a year's permit to perform in the borough.

Stockton teenager Jake Holt won the title, despite being the youngest contestant.

On Sunday, visitors to the High Street can experience a taste of Europe, when an International Food Fair comes to the town selling specialist foods, as well as a wide range of non-food items.

The following Sunday, May 21, the High Street will play host to an American car extravaganza, with classic US cars lining the street, US sounds and costumed entertainers.

On Sunday, May 28, families can enjoy a fun day on the High Street with a giant snakes and ladders game, a children's puppet theatre, balloon modelling and fairground rides.

And there will be a performance day, on Sunday June 11, featuring the Karen Heritage School of Dance, Stockton Asian Dance Group, Black Monday and other youth bands from Stockton.

Sue Burgess, town centre manager for Stockton council, said: "We are very pleased to be working so closely with both the Castlegate and the Wellington Square shopping centres to promote Sunday shopping.

"This will give many people the opportunity to visit shops in Stockton High Street who would otherwise be unable to because of either work or other engagements.