A WORLD-RENOWNED company based in Sunderland has thrown its backing behind efforts to stage World Cup football in the city in 2018.

Berghaus is backing the Sunderland host city campaign, as it bids to be part of England’s 2018 World Cup bid, with two members of staff designing fleece jackets to promote the cause.

International marketing manager Gavin Burns and machinist Ann Davitt, both Sunderland fans, have had Berghaus jackets embroidered with the Sunderland 2018 logo and are collecting signatures in support of the bid, which will be submitted to the FA in November.

Berghaus supplies 30 countries, but has its global headquarters in Sunderland and many of the company’s 120-strong workforce come from the city. The bid, which is being submitted alongside one from Newcastle Gateshead, also brings in the wider region having co-opted Middlesbrough and Darlington football clubs, and Durham County Cricket Club, to provide facilities.

Mr Burns said: “I spend my working life spreading the word about Berghaus around the world from here in Sunderland. Whenever we get international visitors, we try to give them an opportunity to find out more about Sunderland and the North- East. They are always hugely impressed.

“Bringing World Cup games to the city would be an unparalleled opportunity to put this part of the world in the global spotlight. What’s more, I know firsthand that the Stadium of Light is a worldclass venue and matches there would be very special occasions indeed.”

To support the bid, visit sunderland2018bid.com