THE North-East's cultural diversity was celebrated with colourful day of music and dance in Sunderland's Stadium of the Light at the weekend.

Dance performances from 4 X 4 and a display by Chinese lion dancers were among the events put on for the crowds.

The day, organised by the Northern TUC, was attended by trade union members and ethnic groups from throughout the region.

TUC general secretary-elect Brendan Barber, who addressed the gathering, said: "By ensuring the North is a welcoming region, we can help to stop the brain drain to the South-East."

Sunderland AFC chief executive Hugh Roberts said: "Sport, and football in particular, is a language that unites people from different cultures and countries with a common interest.

"At Sunderland we have players from a whole host of nations that work hard for one another and share a great team spirit and are supported by fans from all around the world."