AN amateur footballer from the North-East is hoping to become a sporting legend when he takes part in a piece of sporting history at Wembley on Sunday.

Tom Newton will play in a side managed by Nobby Stiles, a member of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad.

Along with another ten men, the Newcastle United supporter will play in the White team, based on the defeated German side in England's most famous victory.

Their opponents will be the Red team, who will represent the triumphant England side in the 4-2 victory. Their team will be managed by World Cup final hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst.

The game will be one of the final matches played at the Twin Towers.

Mr Newton, a 42-year-old consultant in employment law, from Hartlepool, plays in midfield for the town's Greyhound Old Boy's Sunday league team.

Paul Johnson, club secretary, said: "The team is made up of people from all over Britain, so it is fantastic somebody from our team is in the squad. Not only is it recognition for our team, but also the town. We wish him luck."

The North-East will also be represented by 11-year-old Sarah Minns, from Stockton, who will be a ball girl.

Her mother, Linda, said: "As you can imagine, she is very excited and is looking forward to it immensely. She is a big football fan and is mad on Middlesbrough. The day will be a dream come true for her.