Town will welcome the Seahorses to St James' Park on Tuesday, July 28 for the encounter – which has been dubbed the club's "biggest friendly".

And the match will be played in aid of charity, with all the funds raised going to HospiceCare North Northumberland.

Excited Alnwick Town chairman Tom McKie said: "It will be a special night. To be playing the FA Vase winners is unbelievable. It is great for the club, and it is great for the local community."

Whitley Bay became the pride of the North East when they lifted the FA Vase in May, beating Glossop North End 2-0 at Wembley, in front of a crowd of more than 12,000 people.

Mr McKie said: "If you want real excitement, get to St James' Park – Alnwick that is. This will be the biggest friendly in the club's history. We are playing a team who won the fifth biggest cup competition in England."

To make the night even more special, the FA Vase will be on display and football fans will be able to have their picture taken alongside the prestigious trophy, for a donation to the hospice.

Mr McKie said: "The hospice is a great cause and they need the money more than we do. Alnwick Town is getting behind them and the club is going to do their bit."

The match kicks-off at 7.30pm. Entry is adults £2, children £1.

>> Alnwick Town training starts on Tuesday. 7pm sharp.