SAFC players to light up the city

It's been announced that three of Sunderland AFC's first-team players will be switching the Christmas lights on in Sunderland city centre this year.

Julio Arca, Paul Thirlwell and skipper Jason McAteer will be at the ceremony this Thursday, 20th November, at the Civic Centre on Burdon Road.

The evening's entertainment starts at 6pm with a Sun FM roadshow and finishes at 7pm with a firework display over Mowbray Park.

McAteer said, "I know the illuminations switch-on is a much-loved event in the City's calendar as it signals the start of Christmas, and I'm delighted that I am able to be a part of it."