North East football journalists have paid their own tribute to the legendary Sir Bobby Robson by handing over a cheque in his honour.

North East football journalists have paid their own tribute to the legendary Sir Bobby Robson by handing over a cheque in his honour.

The North East Football Writers' Association raised £8,000 at the Footballer of the Year Awards, which it donated to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Football Writers' Association North East chairman Samantha Lee presented the cheque to Steven Harper before Newcastle United's memorial game against PSV Eindhoven on Saturday.

The Newcastle goalkeeper said: "It is a fantastic charity for an amazing man and I'm pleased to see all of the good work being done in his name.

"The Football Writers' Awards is always a big night and I'm happy they picked the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as their chosen charity."

Samantha said: "Every year we look for a worthy cause to donate the proceeds from our charity auction and this time the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was the first name on everyone's lips.

"Sir Bobby was a regular at the Awards ceremony and always had time to chat with everyone he came in contact with. We do miss him. Last year, Alan Shearer spoke very movingly about him."

She added: "The work Dr Ruth Plummer and the team at the Foundation are doing towards the early detection and treatment of cancer here in the North East is fantastic and we are proud to support them."

This year sees the 30th anniversary of the awards in November with the organisers promising something a bit special.

Samantha added: "The North East Football Writers' Awards are always a great occasion because it is a chance for North East football fans to put on a tuxedo and mingle with their heroes.

"For the anniversary, we are hoping to invite along as many previous winners as possible and make it a really big celebration.

"It is always a sell-out but there's a chance that we could move it to a bigger suite within Ramside Hall so there may be a few extra tables this year.

"We will put together a waiting list for people interested in taking a table on a first come first basis."

Anyone interested in attending the North East Footballer of the Year Awards can email fwa@publicityseekers.co.uk or call (01429) 26 58 59.