TWO of the North-East’s biggest football clubs have put their rivalry aside in aid of those in need this Christmas.

The charity arms of Middlesbrough and Newcastle United football clubs have teamed up to give Christmas presents to children in hospital as part of the Premier League Works programme.

MFC Foundation donated its festive gifts to children at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, while Newcastle United Foundation donated its gifts to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

The two groups have been working together for the past few months, taking it in turns to visit each other’s communities, and taking part in a number of both fun and beneficial team-building activities.

Both clubs agreed they should put their sporting rivalry aide and attempt to help out each other’s local area.

They raised money by competing in a sponsored Newcastle United Foundation vs MFC Foundation Bubble Football Match, which took place on Tyneside, as well as sourcing donations of toys from staff, friends, family and businesses from across the North-East.

Last week, both groups set off from their bases and met at the Angel of the North, in Gateshead, to share out their proceeds, pass on a few good luck messages, and pose for some photos.

From there, the teams made their way to the hospitals, as they delighted staff and patients alike, with Middlesbrough mascot Roary the Lion joining the group at the Newcastle infirmary.

Marc McPhillips, MFC Foundation Premier League Works Coordinator, said: “Both Premier League Works groups have showed a great attitude in working together to do something positive in their local community.

“It has been great to see them develop their own knowledge and skills in order to deliver a project that is so worthwhile.

“Giving their time as well as gifts to children that unfortunately find themselves in hospital is something quite inspiring.”

Dan Hancock, Newcastle United Foundation Premier League Works Coordinator, added: “The visits were truly excellent - it shows a really strong representation of the region by two local clubs working together to support one another’s areas.”

Premier League Works is an initiative that uses the power of football clubs and the Premier League to engage young people who are not involved in education, training or employment.

The programme, delivered in partnership with the Professional Footballers Association and the Prince’s Trust provides young people with support to develop their personal and social skills giving them the confidence and the experience they need.

Rob Crozier, from Hartlepool, who has been taking part in the programme for a couple of months, said he was already feeling the benefit of putting in the hours for those who need it.

The 23-year-old said: “I am really passionate about the great work that happens in all our hospitals in the North-East.

“Having an opportunity to give something back to a service that helps so many people has been really good.

“I hope that the gifts we have provided make a difference to the children at each hospital.”

For more information about the Premier League Works Programme, visit premierleague.com.