OFFICIALS at one of the region's top football clubs were criticised yesterday after snubbing a charity event in aid of a poorly toddler.

A group of RAF servicemen said the launch of their sponsored cycle ride was ruined after Newcastle United refused to help.

The 12 riders set off yesterday from outside St James' Park, on a tour of all 20 Premiership football grounds. The gruelling, six-day cycle ride aims to raise money for children with cystic fibrosis.

The team, all members of the RAF parachute detachment, based at the Wattisham airfield, near Ipswich, decided to undertake the ride after a colleague's 14-month-old daughter was diagnosed with the debilitating condition.

The bikers had hoped for support from St James' Park at the event's launch, but said the club's bosses had refused to help.

Organiser Stuart Amory said: "We expected at least a friendly voice on the end of the phone and may be a bit of help, but we didn't even get that."

Out of all 20 Premiership clubs, only Newcastle and Arsenal had refused to help the team - ironically the two venues at the start and finish of the tour.

They got a much warmer welcome later in the day when they arrived at other North-East clubs.

Sunderland AFC presented them with a signed photograph of the Stadium of Light.

At the Riverside stadium in Middlesbrough, the fundraisers were served with sandwiches and cups of tea before being presented with a signed football.

A spokesman for Newcastle United defended the club's record of generosity when it came to charity events. "No-one is here because the team has travelled to Bosnia," she said.

"We cannot give signed memorabilia to everyone who wants to start their event at St James' Park."