Health checks and jabs offered at football matches

Sunderland is one of three clubs offering health checks on matchdays

Football fans have been invited to get vaccinations and a "winter health MOT" at matches in an effort make it easier to access care and advice.

Gateshead, Sunderland and Darlington are taking part in a new initiative with NHS teams to offer blood pressure checks, diabetes screening and advice on quitting smoking.

Anyone wanting a check-up will be able to get one in the Gateshead boardroom in the 90 minutes before their game against Truro City.

Club chairman Bernard McWilliams urged fans to take advantage of the offer of immunisation after he spent 12 weeks in hospital during the Covid pandemic.

Mr McWilliams said: "I am thankful for the care and support I received at the QE Gateshead so I fully support this initiative.

"At this time of year it is so important to get what protection you can."

Darlington said assisting the NHS was the "least we can offer".

"The health of everyone who watches Darlington Football Club is important to us, and we shouldn't allow flu to spread in the stadium environment and then into the local community," a statement said.

Matchday clinic dates include:

• 25 October - Darlington v Southport at Blackwell Meadows

• 3 November - Sunderland v Everton at Beacon of Light

• 4 November - Darlington v Worksop Town at Blackwell Meadows

• 8 November - Sunderland v Arsenal at Beacon of Light

• 8 November - Gateshead v Solihull Moors at Gateshead International Stadium

• 22 November - Gateshead v Boreham Wood at Gateshead International Stadium

• 22 November - Darlington v Spennymoor Town at Blackwell Meadows

• 25 November - Darlington v Curzon Ashton at Blackwell Meadows

• 29 November - Sunderland v Bournemouth at Beacon of Light

• 20 December - Gateshead v Eastleigh Gateshead International Stadium

• 20 December - Darlington v King's Lynn Town at Blackwell Meadows

Recent health data suggested Covid and flu has been on the rise in recent weeks.

Dr Catherine Monaghan, medical director at the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said thousands of fans in the region would be eligible for vaccinations.

"Not only will this protect them against serious illness, but means they can avoid missing any matches over the Christmas season too," she said.