Len Ashurst, Bobby Kerr, Jimmy Montgomery, Gary Rowell, Marco Gabbiadini, Chris Turner, Paul Bracewell, Kevin Ball and Mick Horswill were among more than 300 guests at the Variety Club's Gala Dinner last night.

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The footballing greats were at the "Red Tie" event to pay tribute to Sunderland Football Club and help raise thousands of pounds for the Variety Club, which provides disadvantaged children with wheelchairs and other equipment to improve their lives, and the Sunderland Foundation.

Former striker Marco Gabbiadini made the trip from his home in York.

"It's always great to come back here and it's all for a good cause," he said. "Everyone has been brilliant."

1973 FA Cup winner Jimmy Montgomery said: "It's fantastic to see so many people here."

Sunderland AFC was handed the Silver Heart Award to honour its work for the charity and Wearside's community.

Sir Bobby Robson had to pull out because of ill health, and Black Cats' manager Roy Keane and chairman Niall Quinn were called away on business at the last minute.

But it was eight-year-old Luke Taylor, from Downhill, in Sunderland, who was the star of the show. The Variety Club helped the youngster, who has cerebral palsy, buy an electric wheelchair.

"It was great to meet everyone," said Luke. "I was really excited. I got all the players' autographs."