A NORTH-East football club is joining forces with the Durham Miners' Association (DMA) to help raise funds for the annual gala.

Sunderland AFC has become a "marra", an official friend of the Durham Miners' Gala, and will be dedicating its final home game of the season to the DMA when it plays Portsmouth on Saturday, April 27.

An array of miners’ banners from across the region will be paraded around the Stadium of Light pitch before the game – including the historic Monkwearmouth Lodge banner, which is displayed within the west stand of the stadium.

Supporters will also be able to enjoy music from the Durham Miners’ Association Colliery Band, who will be playing in the fan zone before the game.

The Northern Echo:

The Monkwearmouth Lodge banner

DMA secretary Alan Mardghum said: “As a life-long Sunderland supporter this is a proud moment for the DMA. Sunderland AFC has always been a Durham miner’s club and has remained true to its heritage”.

The club will be playing an active part in the gala for the first time this year, when it takes place on July 13.

Sunderland's executive director Charlie Methven, said: “There is a wonderful shared heritage and synergy between our two great organisations, which is something we are tremendously proud of.

“Sunderland’s support comes from across the region, but County Durham has, historically, always been a red and white hotbed. We want this to continue to be the case and our partnership with The Durham Miners Association will ensure that the history on which we were built remains firmly part of our future”.

Dave Anderson, chairman of Marras - Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala, said: “This is great news for the Marras. We need all the support we can get to keep the banners flying and bands playing at the Gala. The event is funded solely by the people and we rely on everyone’s goodwill to keep it going.”