NERVES are fraught and excitement is rising across the North East (and elsewhere) as thousands of fans are making their way to Wembley Stadium for a high-tension play-off with Wycombe Wanderers.

We’ve pulled together a gallery of the best pics as Sunderland fans across the UK – and across the world – make their way to the League One play-off clash.

Read more: LIVE: Sunderland fans head to Wembley in their thousands as trains and coaches packed

The Black Cats take on the Chairboys for a place in the Championship next season after a four year stint in League One.

Fans took to Trafalgar Square last night to paint the capital red and white and, as is tradition, Black Cats supporters were there long into the night as the excitement built.

One Sunderland fan went above and beyond to make sure he was at Wembley Stadium today after travelling more than 9,000 miles from Australia to cheer on his beloved team.

Read more: Sunderland fan travels 9000 MILES from Australia to attend playoff final

We’ve pulled together some of the best pictures so far as Sunderland fans across the nation make their way to Wembley:

The Northern Echo: Sunderland fans at Trafalgar Square last nightSunderland fans at Trafalgar Square last night

The Northern Echo: Sunderland fans at Trafalgar Square last nightSunderland fans at Trafalgar Square last night

The Northern Echo: Picture: Sarah HamblettPicture: Sarah Hamblett

The Northern Echo: Picture by Clare ReillyPicture by Clare Reilly

The Northern Echo: Picture by Clare ReillyPicture by Clare Reilly

The Northern Echo: Laura and Nate Caroll from Sunderland who are making their way to Wembley after leaving at 6.45amLaura and Nate Caroll from Sunderland who are making their way to Wembley after leaving at 6.45am

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo: Sara and Graham from Sunderland who are driving down to Wembley StadiumSara and Graham from Sunderland who are driving down to Wembley Stadium

The Northern Echo: Sunderland fans queuing to get on the coach to Wembley Stadium taken by Incidents on Teesside and County DurhamSunderland fans queuing to get on the coach to Wembley Stadium taken by Incidents on Teesside and County Durham

The Northern Echo: Picture: Matty JonesPicture: Matty Jones

The Northern Echo: Picture: Matty JonesPicture: Matty Jones