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A labour peer has come up with a unique way to spend Newcastle United’s money on a greater good.

In the week when the club have pocketed more than £20m from the sale of Yohan Cabaye, former Newcastle Council leader Jeremy Beecham has said owner Mike Ashley should consider making a donation to local food banks.

Lord Beecham has suggested the club might like to consider donating £1 from each matchday ticket sold to local causes, including the food banks popping up across the city.

The peer said it would be a welcome sign from Newcastle United and club sponsor Wonga that they are committed to the city.

He said: “Along with around 50,000 United fans, I’ll be at St James’ Park on Saturday hoping to see United beat Sunderland. Too many people today have to rely on food banks to feed themselves and their families. Food banks rely on the generosity of many individuals and organisations who donate food or cash.

“Wouldn’t it be great if Newcastle United and their sponsors donated just £1 per head out of the ticket income for Saturday’s derby match, in the week when the club receives £25m for Yohan Cabaye? It would be a fraction of the weekly wage bill. I hope on Saturday afternoon we can celebrate a United victory and a generous response from the club to this request.”

Food banks in Tyneside have reported growing demands for their goods, with many now having to make wider appeals for food stuffs. The Newcastle West End Food Bank says it helped provide 10,000 meals last year alone. It has now teamed up with bakers Greggs to help provide more food for hard up families in the city.

Newcastle United did not comment.