Writing in his regular column in the Black 'n' White Official Matchday Programme, Newcastle United Chairman Chris Mort reflects on events at St.James' Park over the past 11 months ...

"I have been delighted with the progress the club has made in the community this season. Newcastle United must always be aware of the great force for good it can be in people's lives. In the early part of the season we had first-team players packing shoppers' bags and making children pizzas as part of the Creating Chances programme, for which we received much acclaim.

"In an effort to make St. James' Park accessible to a wider section of the community, for the pre-season friendlies last summer we introduced ticket initiatives aimed at encouraging more children to come along to games and followed that up with ten-game season tickets for children for as little as £25.

"More recently, we received a national award from Prince Charles for our support of the Princes Trust and an invitation to Downing Street in recognition of our work with Show Racism the Red Card. April saw supporters raise more than they ever have previously from a bucket collection at the ground, raising substantial funds for the Toma Fund established by Jordan Thompson's parents. The season ends with us hosting a dinner to raise funds for The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, which should be an excellent and very worthwhile evening.

"The focus of our community efforts next season will be the Newcastle United Foundation, which should receive its charitable status in the early autumn and for which we have recruited Kate Bradley as a full-time Foundation Manager."

THANK YOU

"I would like to finish my last programme column of the season with a big "thank you" to everyone in the North-East for the fabulous welcome my family and I have had since arriving on Tyneside last summer. Thank you.

"Have a great summer!"