RIVALRIES were cast aside as fans from across the Tyne-Wear football divide came together to help two battling youngsters suffering serious illness.

Funds were raised in a friendly football match played in support of Bradley Lowery, five, and three-year-old Frankie Sherwood.

Both Bradley, from Blackhall, County Durham, and Frankie, from North Tyneside, are fighting the neuroblastoma form of cancer.

Their stories have drawn support from across the football world and supporters of both Sunderland and Newcastle agreed to play a “friendly” football charity game to assist both causes.

Fans of rival teams Kyle Robinson, from Sunderland, and Dean Sowerby, from Newcastle, helped organise the match, played at Silksworth Sports Centre, in Sunderland.

Players donated £10 each for the privilege of playing in the match, which it is hoped will, when all funds are tallied, raise £2,000 to be split between the two youngsters.

A similar match will be played between other groups of Newcastle and Sunderland fans at Albany Park, the former home of Northern League club Washington FC, on Sunday January 22.

Funds raised at that match, kicking-off at 1.30pm, with free entry, will go to both Bradley and Frankie, as well as Hope Feeney, a third child battling neuroblastoma.