NEWCASTLE United and Bradford Park Avenue joined forces today (Sunday, July 10) to remember a World War One hero who played for both clubs.

Former professional footballer Second Lieutenant Donald Bell was awarded the Victoria Cross - which was displayed at the game - for his bravery on July 5, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, when he blew up a German machine gun as his battalion captured an enemy position.

He was killed in action just five days later. Today (Sunday, July 10), exactly 100 years to the day since his death, 36 members of his family gathered at Horsfall Stadium, Bradford, as Park Avenue and Newcastle played a friendly game in his memory.

Nearly 700 people attended the match, which Newcastle won 3-0, and they listened before kick-off as football commentator John Helm talked about Mr Bell and his heroics.

The Last Post was played and a marching band led the two teams onto the pitch. Also present were representatives of Harrogate Grammar School and St Peter’s Primary School, Bradford, both attended by Mr Bell.

Richard Bell, a great nephew of Mr Bell, said: “It is a great honour to be here. As a family, we all feel very proud of what sort of man he was, but sad that his life was cut short so tragically.

“It really unites us and brings us together.”

He added that his great uncle had been married for about five weeks before his death, aged 25.

Park Avenue chairman John Dean said: “Donald Bell epitomised what commitment was all about. He gave his life to save so many others. It is an extraordinary tale.”

Former England star Peter Beardsley, who is now football development manager at Newcastle, said: “It is an honour for us to be here. We will go anywhere to play football, but this is something really special.”

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Yates, of the 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, said: “It is about bringing to life the memory of Donald Bell and remembering the commitment he made 100 years ago in the Somme and the sacrifice he made.”