Newcastle United employee Sandra Goff was able to use her newly-acquired sign language skills to communicate with a group of five deaf children who turned up to the match which was called off against Southampton.

The children, aged between eight and 15, came from the Northern Counties School for the Deaf, and were treated to souvenirs from the club.

"They were all bitterly disappointed that the match had been postponed because of the snow, but thrilled that at least they were able to meet Bobby Robson," said Ms Goff