Muhammad Ali- When the boxing champion visited the north east in 1977

All-time boxing legend Muhammad Ali has died at the age of 74.

The three-time world heavyweight champion, who had battled Parkinson's disease for 32 years, was admitted to hospital with a respiratory condition earlier in the week.

In 1977 the then reigning world champion made a visit to Tyneside. To the surprise of painter and decorator Johnny Walker who invited him to his boxing club in South Shields, Ali touched down at Newcastle airport with his wife and daughter.

He visited Newcastle’s Pendower Hall Special School and Grainger Park Boys Club. Thousands turned out to see him , and a lucky few got in the ring with him.

When greeted by reporters at the airport he said he was pleased to be in Newcastle to help raise money for Johnny Walker.