Swapping the Wear for the Amazon

Father Joe left the North East for Peru in 1999

Father Joe Plum swapped the River Wear for the mighty Amazon when he left the north-east of England to live in the Peruvian jungle as a missionary.

He works with Juventud Bellavista, a Peruvian youth football team, and after help from former NUFC player, Nolberto Solano, his team are winning games.

Joe approached Solano, now playing for Peruvian team, Universitario, when he went to the jungle to coach the team.

Now they're over here playing matches and, despite the cold, are doing well.

There are a few notable differences between the North East and Peru - the biggest one being the climate.

Former NUFC player Solano has been helping Father Joe

Joe, who left for Peru in 1999, said: "The lads think it's very cold over here and are finding it difficult to get out of bed.

"They've been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of the North East, and the warmth and welcome they've had in places like Ashington has really touched them."

Travel by boat

Joe also arranged for his team, Juventud Bellavista, to visit Old Trafford to see Manchester United and Ecuadorian national footballer Antonio Valencia.

Football is the international language that Juventud Bellavista understand

Joe said: "Antonio's from Ecuador, which isn't too far from our village - and when I say not too far, I mean only three or four days by boat, so it's quite close for us.

"In fact, when Mario [one of the Peruvian youth players] was on the plane, he said the 13 hour flight was nothing, because he often travels for two or three days by boat to get to other villages.

"The river is the only route to take, even though it would only take three or four hours by car."

Pease pudding

Another difference the players have found has been the grass pitches.

In Peru, the team often play barefoot on sandy pitches, so they've had to get football boots.

The team take time out to be involved with All Saints Church

St Mary's parish in Blackhill have helped out with the cost of buying boots for the team and, despite the players finding them "a bit heavy", they've almost certainly contributed to their winning ways.

But, for hungry footballers, the best thing has been the local food, and the team had their first ham and pease pudding sandwich before their last match - a true taste of the North East.