FOOTBALL fans have been warned about the dangers of loan sharks.

Representatives from the England Illegal Money Lending Team joined supporters of Gateshead at their match against Southport, which was played at Hartlepool FC's Victoria Park ground.

Mascot 'Sid the Shark' also handed out free water bottles branded with a telephone hotline number - 0300-555-2222 - for people to ring with information about loan sharks.

Fans also sang "We hate loan sharks" from the stands.

The event was supported by Gateshead and Hartlepool Borough Councils, who work in partnership with the illegal money lending team.

An estimated 310,000 households across the country are in debt to loan sharks who can quickly trap borrowers into spiralling debt.

Those that do not pay on time can be subjected to threats, violence and intimidation.

Jeff Bowron, Gateshead FC's media manager said: “Gateshead Football Club is delighted to lend its support to this worthwhile campaign which will help to increase awareness of the dangers of loan sharks in the town.

"The England Illegal Money Lending Team has already done good work in Gateshead and we were pleased to welcome them to our temporary home ground at Hartlepool last Saturday.”

Ian Harrison, principal trading standards and licensing officer with Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "There is lots of advice and help available in the town to help people manage their finances effectively and our message to loan sharks is that you will not be tolerated in Hartlepool.”