THE number of people visiting the Kingfisher Centre is up on last year despite figures for the rest of the country's shopping venues falling, it has been revealed.

Centre commercial director Ian McLelland said the number of shoppers had risen by 3.6 per cent compared to last year.

But he said people visiting centres elsewhere had gone down compared to last year.

Last week, 25 shopping centre managers visited the Kingfisher to have a look at its £60 million revamp.

Meanwhile, plans to spend £40,000 on a grotto for the centre this Christmas are already being worked on.

Centre bosses have visited manufacturers in Newcastle, Halifax and London to decide on the design they want.

Shoppers will also be able to benefit from £15,000 of new seating when 25 benches are installed in the centre this month.