THEY may be some of the fiercest rivals on the pitch, but a group of Newcastle United and Middlesbrough fans have put their tribal allegiances aside in the name of charity.

‘Fat Lads on Bikes’ was the idea of Middlesbrough fan Neal Bullock, who wanted to give back to ward 14 at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital, after they helped his Aunty Linda combat the cancer.

Through the power of charity and social media, the fundraisers are now doing a coast to coast bike ride with a group of fundraisers from Newcastle United.

Kevin Moore, of United against Cancer, said: “We did a bike ride last year from St James’ Park to various football grounds. I saw the lads and what they were doing on Twitter.”

Mr Bullock added: “Kevin got in touch with us via social media, and within 24 hours the lads had signed up and were joining us in raising money for ward 14.

“We are trying to raise as much money as we can, to provide patients on the ward with holistic treatments, free TV subscriptions and the like.”

The coast to coast bike ride will see 13 Boro fans riding alongside three Newcastle fans, flanked by a support team and riders from other charities. It will cover 152 miles in three days, taking in Walney to Wear, and has become one of four main events they are planning this year.

For further information, find the fat lads at www.fatladsonbikes.com