Match backs Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust

Staff from the Hilton Gateshead took on a squad of police, paramedics and firefighters from the North West at Mariners Park, South Shields.

The away side included a number of people who were called to the Manchester Arena following the attack, which happened as a concert by Ariana Grande came to a close last May.

The Chloe and Liam Together for Forever Trust - set up in honour of Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford - will benefit from the game.

The Trust aims to help young performers and sport people and singers who are already supported by bursaries were among those to appear at the event, which also included a turn by a Taekwondo group and the Lions of Zululand.

The event - which ended in a 6-6 draw - was organised by Russ Durham, a concierge at the hotel, after the team was invited to come up with ideas to support the Trust.

Russ, 43, from Seaburn said: “They were two brilliant kids and they had the most infectious smiles.

“The picture you see of them are just how they were.

“The idea of this day was to bring everybody together through the teams and also get some of those who are already being helped through the support of the trust.”

Members of Chloe and Liam’s families were on the touchline for the game.

Liam’s mother Caroline said on behalf of both families: “We want to thank everybody who has come down, donated or volunteered and Russ for organising it and everyone who has participated.

“We also wants to say a big thanks for all the lads who have driven over from Manchester.

“It has really touched our hearts they are here.”