A CENTRE named after Alan Shearer for profoundly disabled people was opened by the footballing legend yesterday.

The former Newcastle United and England captain opened the centre 12 months after his testimonial match at St James' Park.

He donated the money from that game to charity St Cuthbert's Care to pay for the centre.

The centre will have a hydrotherapy suite, cinema with adapted loungers, access to alternative therapies and visiting consultants, internet cafe, IT suite and a sensory garden.

The centre will also have en-suite accommodation for up to eight children or adults with 24-hour care

Located at the junction of the A1 and the A69, at Newcastle, it will offer choice to disabled children and adults and their families about how they spend their leisure time together.

Shearer said: "I am so proud that I have been able to make a contribution to something so needed.

"I know from recently meeting some of the families who will use it that the centre will really make a massive difference to their lives."

Shearer marked the opening by releasing 1,000 balloons; 333 in each of the colours of the "flying leaves", which form part of the centre's logo, and one golden balloon bearing his name.

The first ten cards from the balloons, which are found and returned to St Cuthbert's Care, will each receive a gift for the finder and a treat for the sender.

St Cuthbert's Care said it had sought to provide the very best supportive care for the vulnerable and needy throughout the North-East for more than 60 years.

Last October, the charity became one of the largest beneficiaries of Alan Shearer's Testimonial fund.

The pledge amounted to more than £320,000, including GiftAid support, and in February, it was announced that the centre would be named after its largest and most famous benefactor.

Chief executive Austin Donohoe said: "Everyone has worked so hard towards this and I thank them for their tireless efforts.

"This would all still be a pipe-dream, a set of plans on my desk had it not been for Alan's breathtaking generosity. I speak on behalf of many when I offer him our most grateful thanks."