THOSE pesky kids have done it again - only this time in Southampton.

Scooby-Doo and the gang have broken the record for the most tickets sold for a one-week show at the city's Mayflower theatre.

An amazing 17,800 tickets have been sold for the five evening and seven matinee performances of Scooby-Doo in Stagefright, overtaking the previous record-breaker Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was seen by 17,760 people at the theatre in November 1998.

Head of marketing Paul Lewis said: "I am not surprised that tickets for Scooby-Doo in Stagefright are selling so well. It's a fun show that appeals equally to parents who grew up watching the show and kids who have just discovered Scooby-Doo for the first time."

The live theatre presentation takes the form of a long-lost episode in which Scooby-Doo and friends solve the mystery of a supernatural ghost wreaking havoc at the old Clawhammer movie studio.

Scooby-Doo and the gang, complete with a full-size Mystery Machine, face one challenge after another as they search for clues on the set of a scary movie. With crazy creatures, perplexing puzzles and an abundance of Scooby Snacks, it promises to be Scooby-Doo and friends at their finest and funniest.

Scooby-Doo in Stagefright runs until Sunday.

Tickets cost from £12.50. Box office: 023 8071 1811.