Excitement as Newcastle fans prepare for cup final

Excitement is building on Tyneside and at Wembley as Newcastle United prepare to take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

More than 32,000 fans have travelled to London, with many taking over Covent Garden on Saturday.

Supporters are hopeful the Magpies will return to St James's Park with their first major trophy since 1969.

In Newcastle, people are already lining up outside fan zones and pubs across the city ahead of 16:30 GMT kick off.

Lifelong supporter Kevin said he had witnessed the Magpies score only one goal in seven visits to Wembley.

"Mostly it's been very disappointing, but great occasions," he said.

But when asked by BBC Radio Newcastle if he believed his team could win this time, he said yes.

BBC Radio Newcastle's Matt Bailey, who is broadcasting live from Wembley Way, has also heard from fans from around the world, cheering on Eddie Howe's men.

Tracey, who is currently in Cyprus, said she was feeling positive because the umbrellas on the local beach were black and white.

"If that's not a sign, I don't know what is," Bailey said.

The last trophy for the club was in 1969, the old Fairs Cup, but the 1955 FA Cup was the club's last domestic success.

Alan Shearer, who captained Newcastle in the 1999 FA Cup final, said he "will be as nervous as any supporter".

"I know I am biased but if any set of fans deserves a trophy it is the Newcastle supporters because of their passion, their loyalty and how they have stuck by the team over the years," he wrote for BBC Sport.

On Saturday, the iconic Angel of the North statue in Gateshead was draped in a black and white shirt, with crowds of people turning up to take photos.

One fan, Steph who brought her family to see it, said: "It just represents so much as well about pride in the city and bringing people together."

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge spanning the River Tyne also displayed a banner.