Hartlepool shoppers are being urged to say '˜Hello Sundays' in new campaign at Middleton Grange

Middleton Grange shopping centre is launching a new drive to promote free Sunday parking in Hartlepool town centre after the opening of the town’s massive new H&M store.

They say more than 60 shops will be open every weekend as part of the centre’s ‘Hello Sundays!’ campaign.

Centre boss Mark Rycraft said popular children’s club Snapper Jaxx would also be returning this weekend to mark the start of the new Sunday shopping drive.

“We now have more than 60 retailers who will be opening on Sundays, including H&M, Primark, Boots and New Look,” he said.

“Many people still don’t realise that we offer free all-day parking on a Sunday too, so ‘Hello Sundays!’ is our way of making sure everyone knows how convenient Sunday shopping can be.”

To mark the first weekend, there will also be a day of floral fun and games at the centre when Snapper Jaxx Kids Club returns.

This Sunday, the free children’s club will be held between 11am and 4pm, with the springtime ‘Fun Folk’ theme.

Parents and children can join Daffy O’Dilly, Lavender Blue and the crocus choir for a fun-filled sing-along and try some crazy country dancing. There will also be arts and crafts sessions with the chance to make personalized May Crowns.

“We very much want to ensure our customers have access to the same shops and facilities that make us so popular the rest of the weekend,” said Mark.

“By promoting all-day free parking and the fact that Snapper Jaxx is held on the last Sunday of every month – together with the fact that we have more than 60 retailers open – we’re hoping to make Sunday the new Saturday.”

Parking at Middleton Grange will be free all day, and the majority of shops will be open from 10am to 4.30pm, although some retailers vary.

The monthly Snapper Jaxx Kids Club is held in the centre’s main square, near BHS and McDonalds, and has a different theme on the last Sunday of each month until the end of September.