BLACK Cats fans paid an emotional tribute to Bradley Lowery as they kicked off the new football season.

The youngster's brave battle against the rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured hearts across the sporting world, particularly at Sunderland, to which he was a devoted fan.

The six-year-old lost his battle last month and his funeral was held in his home village of Blackhall, where thousands of people wearing football shirts had lined the streets.

The memorial service was attended by his 'best friend' Jermain Defoe, the former Sunderland striker now at Bournemouth, who wore an England shirt.

No one had forgotten Bradley ahead of Sunderland's home Championship opener against Derby, as his name was sung during a planned one-minute applause and banners were unfurled featuring his image.