A Mayor of a North East town has praised the generosity of the town’s football club following its donation of two season tickets.

Councillor Brenda Loynes spoke following a visit to Hartlepool United FC’s Victoria Park where she received the tickets from Assistant Manager Tony Sweeney.

The tickets will be offered as prizes in a free draw which will take place later this month at a complimentary performance of Hartlepool Borough Council’s summer pantomime Snow White.

The show is being arranged especially for NHS staff and other individuals who have made a significant contribution to fighting Covid or keeping daily life functioning during the pandemic.

Councillor Loynes was accompanied to Victoria Park by her Consort and husband Councillor Dennis Loynes.

Cllr Loynes said: “This is a really generous gesture by the Club and one which will help us to further recognise and reward the selfless efforts of the town’s Covid heroes. I’d like to thank Chairman Raj Singh and everyone else connected with the Club for their support.

“The donation of the tickets is a further example of the great working relationship that exists between the Council and the Club as demonstrated recently by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore ways of securing the club’s long-term future.”

Councillor Loynes’ visit came ahead of this weekend’s first game of the new EFL League 2 season, and she added: “I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Club every success for the coming season and I hope they are able to build on their promotion from the National League.”

Hartlepool United FC Chairman Raj Singh said: “We are delighted to be able to support the mayor and the initiative to recognise key workers’ contributions during the pandemic.

“The football club is an integral part of the community of Hartlepool, and we are keen to support worthy causes in the area. Keith Knobbs and his team at Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation also do a lot of great work under the banner of the football club across the area.”

The special performance of Snow White will take place in the Borough Hall at 2pm on Sunday, August 22.

People can nominate either themselves or others for complimentary tickets by emailing borough.hall@hartlepool.gov.uk.

The family pantomime will run from Friday, August 20 to Monday, August 30 and feature Steph Aird in her pantomime debut as the Magic Mirror and Hartlepool’s own Britain’s Got Talent finalist, impressionist Danny Posthill.

Tickets cost £18 for adults, £15 for children or £59 for a family ticket for two adults and two children.

Book at www.hartlepoolboroughhall.com or call 01429 890000.