FORMER Sunderland marksman Marco Gabbiadini handed out awards at a special presentation.

More than 500 families, including several from County Durham, were recognised for completing the Family Learning Through Football programme run by Sunderland's charity, the Foundation of Light.

The Sir Bob Murray Family Graduation Day was held at the Stadium of Light today (Monday, July 14)

Family Learning through Football is a ten- week programme run in primary schools that uses the power of football to engage families in activities that inspire learning and achievement, develop and build new skills, and improve family relationships.

In 2013 the programme worked with 2,000 families across the region.

The event was sponsored by Sir Bob Murray, the former Sunderland chairman and founder of the Foundation of Light.

Gabbiadini, now 46, joined the club from York in 1987 and scored 21 goals in his first season to help it climb out of the old Third Division, now League One, as champions.

In four years at the club he made 152 appearances and found the net 74 times.

He joined Crystal Palace in 1991 but later had spells at York again and returned to the North-East for spells at Darlington and Hartlepool.