Ahead of December's eagerly anticipated Tyne-Wear derby, footballing icons of Newcastle and Sunderland have been honoured by Northumbria University.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe, defender Dan Burn, and former Sunderland AFC chairman Sir Bob Murray were among seven individuals awarded honorary degrees at Northumbria University's winter graduation ceremonies.

Howe and Burn received the degree of Doctor of Civil Law in recognition of their leadership at Newcastle United , their community work, and their contributions to the club's recent success.

Howe said: "Dan and I were blown away by the gesture and the acknowledgement.

"It’s an incredible thing and very gratefully received.

"You never set out to achieve things individually; it's always about the collective, so to be reco

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