As part of the A Helping Hand at Christmas campaign, Howe and his coaching staff, including Jason Tindall, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone and Graeme Jones, headed to the RVI to hand out presents, pose for photographs and chat with poorly children, many of whom will spend the festive period in hospital or receiving care.

Also there were first team stars including Dan Burn, Nick Pope and Jacob Murphy and the likes of Katie Barker, Sharna Wilkinson and Bridget Galloway from the Magpies' table-topping women's team, with players signing autographs and meeting NHS staff who work so hard to look after those in need of care at what can be an extremely difficult time of year.

Alexander Isak, meanwhile, was among those who also visited the PICU ward at the Freeman Hospital to spend time with the young patients and deliver some Christmas presents.

Harriet Massey was at the Great North Children's Hospital to capture some of the special moments for this nufc.co.uk gallery.