THE NORTH-EAST'S cultural diversity was celebrated with a colourful day of music and dance in Sunderland's Stadium of Light at the weekend.

Dance performances from 4 X 4 and a display by Chinese Lion Dancers were just some of the many events put on for the crowds.

The day, organised by the Northern TUC, was attended by trade union members and ethnic groups from across the region.

TUC general secretary-elect Brendan Barber said: "By ensuring the North is a welcoming region we can help to stop the brain drain to the South-East."

Sunderland AFC chief executive Hugh Roberts said: "Sport, and football in particular, is a language that unites people from different cultures and countries with a common interest.

"At Sunderland, we have players from a whole host of nations who work hard for one another and share a great team spirit and are supported by fans from all around the world.

"Today, this is a great opportunity to celebrate diversity and multi-culturalism."