WORLD Cup winner Jack Charlton was given an early birthday surprise by charity supporters.

The former Newcastle and Middlesbrough manager turns 80 on Friday, but began his celebrations earlier this week with wife Pat, Lady Elsie Robson and fundraisers from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The Ashington-born football legend is a long-time supporter of his friend Sir Bobby’s cancer charity and is Ambassador for Northumberland Tea, which donates money to the Foundation from every box sold.

During a celebration at Newcastle’s Copthorne Hotel, he was joined by charity fundraisers from Darlington, Shildon and North Tyneside and Sir Bobby’s son, Paul.

Jack said: “It was a lovely surprise to get a cake and to see Lady Elsie again.

“Bob was a great lad and a very good friend and it gives me a lot of pleasure to support the work of the Foundation whenever I can.”

Northumberland Tea is the creation of Corbridge couple Bill and Helen Logan. When Helen lost both her parents to cancer, she was keen to support the work of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Mrs Logan said: “The Foundation really has changed the way people with cancer are cared for. I experienced that level of care first-hand throughout my Dad’s treatment, giving something back means an awful lot to us.”

Jack says he plans to spend his 80th birthday with family and eating fish and chips.

Lady Elsie added: “We had a marvellous time with Jack, meeting fundraisers and, as ever, there was a lot of football talk.

“It was really lovely way to mark Jack’s 80th birthday and we hope he enjoys his special day with his family.”