A total of 250 activity packs are being distributed before December 25th by staff at the official charity arm of Newcastle United, giving children gift bags including customisable footballs, arts and crafts kits, sensory toys, books, STEM learning activities, and games for all the family.

Deliveries are being made to primary school pupils from Benwell, in Newcastle and North Tyneside, as well as children at Byker's Premier League Kicks programme and families attending free community sessions at NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society.

Newcastle United's mascot, Monty Magpie, will also be helping to spread a little extra Christmas cheer this December by surprising school children in class before handing out the activity packs with Foundation staff.

Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation CEO, said: "The cost of Christmas will be overwhelming to many families across the North East this year. We aim to relieve this pressure by ensuring our community remain supported over the festive period and that includes the delivery of gifts to children, free community sessions at NUCASTLE and our Family Zone.

"Together with Newcastle United, we remain committed to ensuring our community receive the right support when they need it most."

This Christmas, the Foundation has also distributed donations made by generous community members, supporters' groups, organisations and participants inspired by the Foundation's work, with more than 400 selection boxes, Newcastle United kit, toys and hampers shared with North East children and families.

The gift-giving comes during Newcastle United Foundation's and Newcastle United's 'A Helping Hand at Christmas' campaign - a commitment made by the club and its charity to support communities in need this winter.