TICKETS are now available for the sportsman's dinner staged by Sunderland football fans from the Chester-le-Street area.

The annual event, in the banqueting suite at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, is usually held on Maundy Thursday, but is this year taking place on Good Friday, March 25, at 7.30pm.

It will feature ex-Liverpool and Ireland midfield player Ronnie Whelan as guest speaker, comedian Mick Monroe and an array of ex-Sunderland players.

Tickets, at £28 each, are said to be selling fast, and another sell-out is expected. They are available from Eddie Lowerson, at the Chester-le-Street and District branch of Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association, which holds its monthly meeting at Relton Terrace Workmen's Club, on Tuesday, at 7.45pm. Details will also be available for forthcoming revised away travel, for matches at Everton, in the FA Cup, on Saturday, January 29, and at Wolves, on February 4.

Information is also available on the Association branch hotline on 0788 792 1726.