Ryanair has teamed up with Newcastle Airport and Middlesbrough FC to celebrate the start of its new Newcastle-Madrid service, which takes off for the first time this week.

Two lucky Middlesbrough fans Paul Ovington and Joanne McCrum were presented with flights to Madrid at half-time during Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester United at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.

The new Madrid route brings to 12 the number of sun, city and football destinations served from Newcastle Airport this summer, including new routes to Faro, Girona and Palma.

Ryanair’s Gerard O’Shea said: “We are pleased to present Paul and Joanne with their flights from Newcastle to Madrid to celebrate the launch of our new Madrid service, our 12th route from Newcastle Airport. Our Newcastle summer schedule is attracting record bookings, especially on new services to Faro, Girona, Madrid and Palma, which all commence next week and we’re sure will be popular with both business and leisure customers across the North East – and ensure Newcastle Airport and Ryanair will be top of the league for choice and value this season.”

Newcastle Airport’s business development director, John Irving said:”Madrid is the latest exciting new city destination available from Newcastle Airport and we were delighted to team up with Ryanair and Middlesbrough Football Club to offer Paul and Joanne their winning return flights.

“Tees Valley is a crucial part of the North-East economy and is very important to us. As the international gateway for the entire region, we will continue to showcase all our offering and how the airport can help facilitate the needs of both the business and leisure community.”