PHOTOGRAPHS of North-East football fans watching the England national team will form part of an exhibition starting at the weekend.

Patriots, by Ravi Deepres, opens at the University of Newcastle's Hatton Gallery on Saturday.

His first solo exhibition, the photos and video footage focuses on football supporters in groups and as individuals and looks at the idea of belonging to a side.

It features shots of fans from around the world attending international matches, including the 1996 and 2000 European Championships and last year's World Cup in Japan and Korea.

The 1996 shots include several photos taken in and around St James' Park, in Newcastle, which hosted some of the games.

Newcastle United fans have the chance to see their work in print, as Deepres plans to run a series of photography workshops for supporters and disadvantaged youngsters. The best photos will be published in the fanzines, True Faith and The Mag.

The artist will also give a free talk on his work in the gallery on Friday, at 4pm. To book a place, contact the gallery on 0191-222 6057.