AFTER a disappointing festive outing, Widnes Vikings will return to action on Saturday when they face League 1 side Newcastle Thunder (3pm).

The club aim to continue its legacy in the North East following the enormous success of last season’s Magic Weekend in Newcastle.

A number of coaching sessions were delivered to the region's schools and community clubs, while the partnership with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation raised more than £20,000 to help the charity tackle cancer.

The friendly clash at Kingston Park presents an opportunity for the club’s growing North East fanbase to watch Vikings live, ahead of the second visit to St James’ Park for the Magic Weekend later this year.

2016 Viking Stronghold Members can attend free of charge but those tickets must be obtained in advance of the fixture from the Vikings Superstore or by calling the ticket line on 0151 495 2250.

General ticket prices for the match are as follows: £10 adults, £7 concessions, £5 junior.

This is the second of the club's four pre-season warm-ups with the home game against Halifax (January 17) and the Karalius Cup clash at St Helens (January 24) to follow.

Vikings' Super League season starts on February 7 at Wakefield

Meanwhile Vikings have passed on their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tommy Sale MBE, who passed away at the weekend aged 97.

Sale played for Widnes in the 1949/50 and 1950/51 seasons, joining for a fee of £450 from Leigh, and played for the club in the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in 1950.

His time at the Chemics was best remembered for the decisive two tries he scored in the 8-0 Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Bradford Northern in March 1950, that set-up a Wembley date with Warrington.

Much of Tommy’s life was devoted to Leigh, and he has been described by Mike Latham in his fitting tribute as “the single most influential person in the history of Leigh Rugby League Club”.