Rivalry between black and white and red and white fans is one of the fiercest in football.

But Newcastle and Sunderland fans from the same school put aside their differences to work together on an art project.

Despite being in Sunderland, Grindon Hall School has soccer fans of both persuasions as its pupils come from across the region.

Magpies' supporters happily worked with their Black Cat fan classmates at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

The 15 youngsters were asked to design a crest and strip for an imaginary football team, and they decided to combine the features of both Premier League clubs' emblems and kits.

Pupil Kate Johnson, 12, said: "We all really enjoyed our day at the stadium. We've learnt all about the club crest, which will help us complete our project."

Teacher Heather Bowditch said: "It has been a wonderful opportunity for the children to discover how they can work in partnership, even though they support different teams.

"They have all been very excited about their visit, whether they are Magpies or Black Cats."

The youngsters are among the thousands that visit the stadium and work in its classrooms on projects devised to fit in with their school studies.

Club chairman Bob Murray said: "We were delighted to welcome these young footballers, regardless of where their loyalties lie.

"Sunderland prides itself on its family atmosphere and this project has demonstrated that everyone is welcome at the Stadium of Light."

Newcastle United chief executive David Stonehouse said: "We are delighted that young fans from our two clubs have joined forces for such an excellent project.

"With the derby match at the Stadium of Light looming, it is great to see the children from rival football clubs working in harmony - a trait that we hope everyone will adopt on derby day."