Sunderland Sport Relief call takers show their sporting side

Deputy Mayor Alan Emerson gives support to council staff volunteers.

Sunderland City Council workers at its customer contact centre manned the lines as volunteers for Friday’s celebration, a gesture it has carried out since 2009.

More than 80 people took calls between 7pm and midnight as people rang in to pledge their donations, which helped the fund top more than £55million.

The council’s cabinet secretary, Councillor Mel Speding, was one of those taking calls along with the deputy mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alan Emerson.

Volunteers also got into the spirit with team competitions, games and fancy dress.

Coun Emerson said: “It was fantastic to see so many of our employees giving up their Friday night to volunteer for such a worthy cause.

“This is a very special event which raises lots of money for charities both here and abroad.

“We’re incredibly proud of our staff and the way they always pull out all the stops to support events like Sport Relief and Red Nose Day.”