SIX thirsty Norwegians travelled for more than 12 hours to reach a tiny County Durham sports club for a few pints at the weekend.

The group caught a flight from Oslo to Glasgow, two trains to Durham and a taxi to Willington so they could cheer on the town's football team and enjoy a drink at the club.

The extra guests at the bar before and after Saturday's match against Newcastle Blue Star, which was lost 4-1, helped the Albany Northern League club's crippling financial plight.

Willington AFC struck a deal with brewery Interbrew to cut £4,000 of debt - which it accrued when the club started to buy from a wholesaler - by £20 for every barrel of beer or lager sold.

On Saturday, the men, from Stranddal IL sport and fundraising club, sank about 40 pints, which shaved one per cent of the club's outstanding bill.

Following an article in The Northern Echo, which was picked up by Norwegian broadcasters, the men learned of the side's unusual deal from their local television. They then decided on a social trip to the club to help ease its debt.

President of the Stranddal club, Jan Gjestang, said: "Back home we try to support good causes, especially promising sports stars, so when we heard of Willington's situation we wanted to help, and enjoy a trip to the area at the same time.

"Everyone has been very welcoming and we hope we've contributed in a small way, though it would be nice if local people supported their own town's club."

Chairman John Phelan said: "They were very friendly people and it was an interesting experience for the club. We're grateful that they put themselves out for us, and every little helps.

"A Norwegian football team also hopes to visit to play a game and have a drink to help us out."