DESPITE playing in front of thousands on the football pitch, Sammy Ameobi admitted he was nervous before taking to the catwalk for charity.

The Newcastle United player, who is currently on loan to Middlesbrough, was showing off his fashion credentials alongside his brother Shola and other North East sporting stars last night at The Fashion Match.

“It’s my first time and I am so nervous. You think the fact that I play in front of thousands would help. But even just standing on the catwalk I was like ‘wow’,” said the star, ahead of the event at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park base. The charity night was organised by North East businessmen Graham Wylie and Hadran Health Care’s Ian Watson.

The pair joined forces to raise money for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF), Marie Curie and the Chefs Adopt a School charity.

Around 650 guests packed out a marquee at the rugby ground last night to watch stars such as Sammy, Shola and United favourites Tim Krul, Vurnon Anita and former player Rob Lee strut their stuff.

Also modelling along with the professionals were Newcastle Falcons’ Chris Pilgrim and Durham cricketers Jamie Harrison, Michael Richardson and Ruel Brathwaite. Shola, who took part in the event last year, managed to persuade his brother and United goalkeeper Krul to join him as models this year.

He said: “It is for local charities which I am always pleased to help out. It’s a great event and hopefully it will raise a lot of money. It’s a bit of fun for us but I think the main thing is about being involved in the community and helping to raise awareness as well as money for these charities.”

Clothes for the catwalk stars, also including Miss Sunderland Rebecca Mason, were supplied by Newcastle fashion store Cruise.

Ian Watson said: “A night like this can make such a difference helping to raise record amounts of money for the charities. We have been blown away by the generosity and support of business people in the North East.”