WIDNES Vikings will visit Newcastle Thunder in a pre-season friendly at Kingston Park on Saturday, January 9, kick off 3pm.

The match will further strengthen the club's bond in the north east.

Vikings will donate all revenue to Newcastle Thunder, while Vikings Stronghold Members will gain free access to the fixture.

That will not only allow the club's supporters the opportunity of a great weekend in the north east but also ensure that the club's north east Stronghold Members will get another chance to watch the Vikings in action.

The 2015 First Utility Magic Weekend hosted at St James Park was a huge success.

Vikings were keen to leave a legacy in the region by delivering coaching sessions to a number of north east schools and community clubs.

There was also the partnership with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in which Vikings supporters raised over £20,000 to help the charity tackle cancer.

After the recent announcement that St James’ Park is to host the Magic Weekend in 2016, Vikings are keen to continue this legacy project.

Vikings director Brian O’Connor said: “The project in 2015 was to ensure that the Vikings were prominent in the north east, not only for the Magic Weekend itself, but throughout the build-up to the event.

“Our objective was to leave a legacy which we now have a tremendous opportunity to build on in 2016.

“We have a fantastic relationship with Newcastle Thunder and the work that they are doing in the north east to grow the sport of Rugby League is outstanding.

“If the revenue from this fixture goes some way to ensuring that the Thunders message only gets louder then it will no doubt benefit the growth of our game.

“I am sure that as we prepare for this year’s Magic Weekend, the partnership with Newcastle Thunder will be instrumental in the success of our initiative.”

Tickets will be on sale from 11am next Wednesday and are priced as follows:

All 2016 Viking Stronghold Members: Free. A Members ticket must be obtained in advance of the fixture from the Vikings Superstore or by calling 0151 495 2250. One ticket per Member.

General sale tickets: Adults £10, concessions £7, juniors £5