A North-East daily newspaper once again proved it has the X-tra factor after backing its local hopefuls all the way to victory in the competition.

Tthe Shields Gazette pulled out all the stops to get behind girl band Little Mix – whose members include Shields girls Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards – just as it had for local lad Joe McElderry in 2009.

This year it included glossy posters, an eye-catching Little Mix delivery van, and a Saturday edition wrap-around urging readers to get voting.

And the band’s triumph in this weekend’s two-day final saw another special edition on Monday, complete with a full page celebration picture.

Gazette editor John Szymanski said: “South Tyneside should now be known as the X Factory after producing two winners in three years.

“As the local paper, we got right behind Little Mix in the same way we supported Joe McElderry and it’s fantastic to see the girls repeat the success.

“The show attracts so much national media spotlight but we’ve had some great Little Mix exclusives along the way having got so close to the girls and their mums, and some of our designs have been great too.

“Once again, the Gazette has proved it has the X Factor!”