A MUTUAL love of football and a good sing-song is helping Geordies forge cultural links with Estonia.

A group of 17 young people from across Newcastle have returned from a week-long visit to Polva, as part of a Newcastle City Council project.

The youngsters fine-tuned their skills on the pitch at an international football festival and afterwards relaxed by sharing traditional Geordie songs with their hosts.

Councillor Ged Bell, the council's cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, said: "The passion that Geordies share for their football is renowned around the world. Together with our tremendous singing traditions it is an ideal combination to help Newcastle forge cultural links."

Steve Baharral, from the Newcastle Football Development Scheme, said: "We worked for six months to bring these young people together and help them enjoy their football and their singing.

"We didn't win the tournament, but we did win the fair play award, which says everything about the attitude and commitment of our teams."

The return leg of the outing will take place in November, when young people from Polva will be arriving on Tyneside to sample North-East hospitality.