AN EVENING of football chat helped to raise more than £900 for the Children in Need appeal.

The Chester-le-Street and District branch of the Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association staged the talk-in, featuring former Black Cats' favourites Richie Pitt, Mick Horswill and Jeff Clarke, on the BBC appeal night last Friday.

Branch officials thanked club stewards Pat and Fred Raymond, as well as organisers and local businesses who backed the appeal, particularly Terry Kelly, Eddie Lowerson, Kevin Atkinson and Billy Woods, and all the branch and club members.

l The next monthly branch meeting will be staged at the Relton Terrace WMC, on Tuesday, at 7.45pm