Newcastle United fans have descended on Sunderland Royal Hospital with paint brushes in hand this week, with the Tyne-Wear derby only a fortnight away.

Magpies supporters decided to decorate the paediatric play room as a way of showing appreciation for the support received from Sunderland fans after the deaths of John Alder and Liam Sweeney on flight MH17.

Jim Kane, 71, of Whitburn, who came up with the idea, revealed a new-found respect between the local rivals.

"This is mainly for the children but it's also as a way of saying a big thank you to the Sunderland fans," he is quoted as saying by the Sunderland Echo.

"I'm not one of those people who fights with opposing fans, but I love the banter. The Sunderland supporters were absolutely brilliant after what happened to John and Liam and we really respect that.

"After all, we're both North-East teams."

Sunderland fans raised thousands of pounds for a tribute to the two Geordies killed when the plane was shot down over Ukraine.