Street theatre performers have been spreading the message for South Tyneside Means Business in Hebburn, Jarrow and South Shields, using a washing machine, sofa and lamp stand.

The props feature in adverts which are part of a £16.2 million initiative to persuade more people in the borough to start their own enterprises, The Journal reported.

The ordinary objects were designed to show that the spark of inspiration for a business can come from anywhere.