Meet the new heads of fun as youngsters are tasked with making young shoppers smile

Esther Bennettand Logan Jackson celebrate their roles.

Bosses at the Metrocentre think so as they welcome two new recruits to the ranks.

Nine-year-old Esther Bennett, of Great Lumley, has been appointed head of fun, and Logan Jackson Luke, six, of Pittington, as her deputy at intu Metrocentre in Gateshead.

Esther Bennett and Logan Jackson are ready to crack on with their task.

The pair, who won the position following a competition, lost no time in heading to the shopping centre to meet staff and finding out a little bit more about what their duties will involve.

In their new roles, Esther and Logan will be tasked with making sure the centre provides lots of free fun for all the children in the region and to continue to ensure that it is child friendly.

They will also provide specialist advice on all its children’s activities – and, no sooner had their appointments been announced than they made their way to Exhibition Square to meet Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants.

They then introduced themselves to their new colleagues and retailers within the centre before letting off steam with some ten pin bowling at Namco Funscape and a meal at Nando’s in the newly refurbished Qube.

Esther said: “It’s been a brilliant first day at work and Logan and I can’t wait to really get started.

“intu Metrocentre’s lined up some great children’s activities and events over the coming months and we can’t wait to tell everyone all about them.”

The roles will not clash with school, as the pair, who will be first in line to meet any stars and special guests visiting the centre, will only be asked to help out during holidays and half term breaks

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at the centre, said: “Last year’s heads of fun, Mac Toal and Myah Rose Wilson, had a great time; meeting Santa and opening his grotto, taking part in fashion shows and appearing in magazines, so it’s no wonder Esther and Logan are excited about their new roles.

“After all, not only will they get to try new experiences and meet some great people, but they will be paid in gift vouchers and toys – and who wouldn’t like that?”