WHAT could have been the longest Tyne-Wear football derby match in history has taken place in Durham.

More than 60 players took part in the seven-hour marathon charity event, which was organised by Durham Johnston sixth formers Gabriel McCall and Sam Brunton and raised £250 for their World Challenge visit to Vietnam and Laos next summer.

The teams were made up of pupils at Durham Johnston, Framwellgate School Durham, and Durham Community Business College, in Ushaw Moor, as well as members of Brandon United Girls u14s, and a team led by Durham University's vice chancellor Professor Stuart Corbridge, which included members of Durham Women FC.

The match, which was played at Collingwood College, Durham, ended up with Sunderland beating Newcastle by 61goals to 54.

Gabriel McCall, 16, one of the organisers said: “We are so grateful for the support we received from everyone. It was a great afternoon of football with plenty of high-level skills on display from all ages. “We wanted to raise money for our expedition, but also to put on an event that was for everybody, that we could all enjoy and get something out of.”

Joe Elliott, principal of Collingwood College, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be asked to host this excellent event, splendidly organised by two local sixth formers. It was lovely to see so many young men and women from local schools supporting such a worthwhile charitable cause.

“My only regret is that in playing against their youthful opposition, some of the more senior members of the university did not show the flare in front of goal that we might have anticipated.”

Raffle prizes included a football signed by the current Sunderland first team, donated by Kevin Ball, the former Black Cats captain and now club ambassador.