Telly drama was launchpad for stars

MERE mention of Byker Grove - which is to make a return to our screens in its entirety this autumn - will be enough to spark golden memories in those of a certain age who will no doubt remember the teen drama as a TV highlight.

- By BARBARA HODGSON

In the days when there were just four rival channels competing for our attention, the locally-made series, based around a Newcastle youth club, made its debut and went on to become a major success.