AN annual shopping extravaganza which raises tens of thousands of pounds for charity takes place this month.

On Wednesday and Thursday, October 13 and 14, the Durham Shopping Extravaganza will return to the Northern Echo Darlington Arena.

It is the second year that the extravaganza will take place at the football stadium on Neasham Road, Darlington, having moved there from the Ramside Hall in Durham last year.

The extravaganza is run by volunteers and last year handed over £22,500 to local charities.

This year, the three good causes to benefit will be The Teenage Cancer Trust, the Top Deck youth club in Darlington and the County Durham Community Foundation.

More than 100 stalls are expected to be selling goods including gifts, fashion, art, children’s toys and home and interior ideas.

The extravaganza is in its 22nd year. Last year, there were nearly 3,000 visitors and it is hoped that there will be even more this year.

Publicity officer Margaret Howell said: “Seventy per cent of the stalls are new this year.

“We’re expecting a good turnout. We’ll have to see how the recession bites, but we were surprised last year as by then the recession was really under way and we thought we’d be down, but we weren’t.

“The stadium has been very good to us and the car parking was excellent.”

This year, an improved refreshment service is also available at the stadium.

The extravaganza is open from 10am to 6.30pm on Wednesday and 10am to 4pm on Thursday.

Television presenter Pam Royle will be opening the extravaganza at 10am on Wednesday. Admission is £4 and car parking is free.