NEWCASTLE United's footballers will be joined by Irish pop group Westlife to bring a fashion extravaganza to St. James' Park on May 1.

Following on from the success of last season's Fashion Kicks, players will once again take to the catwalk to raise funds for charity. This time, however, the show will be bigger and better than before.

Proceeds from last season's event raised in excess of £65,000 for the Macmillan Cancer Tyneside Appeal, of which Shay Given is Patron. United stars are once again joining Shay to raise valuable funds for charity.

Not only will Macmillan Cancer benefit from the event, money will also go to Newcastle United's Football in the Community to fund a Shay Given Football Foundation which will help talented youngsters in the North East follow in Shay's footsteps as a goalkeeper.

Cruise Clothing will again provide the clothes for the Fashion Show, and Hooker & Young Hair Design will be making sure the models are suitably coiffeured to take to the catwalk. The event is being sponsored by Shay Given's Kit Sponsor, Brakes Food Solutions.

Good friends of Shay Given, Westlife, who will be performing at Metro Radio Arena the following two evenings, will be taking time out from their very busy schedule to make a special guest appearance, at what is expected to be a sell out show.

Shay said: "I am thrilled the players have agreed to help me again, to raise valuable funds for charity. We were all a little worried about taking to the catwalk last year, but once we were up there, we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it's a great feeling to know we are contributing to something meaningful and helping others.

"I would also like to place on record my thanks to my wife Jane who has supported me and without whose help I would not have been able to organise the event."

Chairman Freddy Shepherd added: "Our players work tirelessly to help local charities, and I am delighted to see the players supporting Shay once again to raise funds for such worthy causes."

Westlife's Nicky Byrne said: "We are great friends with Shay and are all really excited about getting involved in the show. We can't wait to join up with Shay and the other players for what will be a fabulous evening."

Tickets for the event are priced £1500 for a table of ten and are on sale from Newcastle United Conference & Banqueting Department 0191 2018470.