THE streets of a North-East town have been decked with banners to greet a football team which won a heroic victory in the local football ground.

Seven surviving members of the North Korean team who famously knocked favourites Italy out of the 1966 World Cup at Ayresome Park, will return to Middlesbrough today.

To mark the occasion, a newly-pedestrianised stretch of the town centre, in Corporation Road and Newport Road, has been decorated with 18 flags recalling the victory.

The banners are sponsored by Harrisons External Display Systems, of Darlington, and were erected by Middlesbrough Town Centre Company.

Karen Shields, from the town centre company, said: "Lamp banners always have an impact in the town centre. We hope the people of the town will agree it's a great way to welcome the Koreans back."

The team will visit the town's Riverside Stadium as guests of honour at the Boro v Leeds match on Saturday.

They will also attend a sportsmen's dinner at the stadium on Friday night, when Jack Charlton will speak.

Tickets for the dinner cost £75 and are available from Ms Shields, on 07785 985360, or Peter Hodgson, on 07970 915230.