SUNDERLAND football fans are planning to walk 32 miles to a match in aid of charity.

The Billingham branch of the Sunderland Supporters Association will make its eighth annual charity fund-raising trek from Teesside to the Stadium of Light for the Fulham match on Saturday, April 8.

The walk will start from Old Billingham at midnight on April 7, following the Castle Eden Walkway, calling at Ryhope, where they will stop at The Albion pub, before arriving at the ground for 3pm.

They will be welcomed by club officials and invited to do a lap of honour around the pitch before receiving a certificate signed by caretaker manager Kevin Ball.

They will raise money for the children's cancer ward at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, and the renal unit at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

Neil "Barney" Warren, one of the walk organisers, said: "We are very proud to be Sunderland fans and feel that this walk further enhances the fantastic reputation that we have throughout the country.

"Sunderland fans are definitely top class and we would like as much support as possible. Your help is vital in assisting us to raise as much as possible for these two tremendous causes, and I would like to thank everyone who has already pledged their support."

Club chief executive Peter Walker said: "It is a tremendous way to raise funds for two very worthwhile regional charities."

To sponsor the walkers, call Mr Warren on (01642) 866714.