NORTH-EAST footballers spread the anti-racism message during a school visit yesterday.

Former Sunderland players Gary Bennett and Kieron Brady were among players at the event, organised by the Show Racism the Red Card campaign, at Easington Primary School, in east Durham.

The two former Black Cats were on hand to carry out football training and to conduct classroom workshops, all geared to steer youngsters away from racism.

The timing of the event could not have been better, following the racist abuse aimed at England players in their friendly match in Spain last week and subsequent events closer to home.

Former Middlebrough player Curtis Fleming, a founder patron of the initiative, now playing for Darlington, said: "It was absolutely appalling last week at the England game, especially in such a famous stadium. It seems to be gathering momentum as the week has gone on and this has come at a very good time for the campaign.

"Hopefully, people will sit up and take notice of what's happening."