FORMER football manager Lawrie McMenemy yesterday called for a museum dedicated to the amateur game in the North-East.

The former England number two backed plans for an amateur football visitors' centre when he returned to the town that launched his managerial career to open an exhibition celebrating heroes of the local game.

He said the display should pave the way for a museum to be opened in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, home of the country's most famous amateur team.

Mr McMenemy, who turned Bishop Auckland from a struggling side into Northern League champions in the 1960s, said: "It is nice to come back to the town and meet up with former colleagues and share old memories and celebrate those good times.

"But I would be very disappointed if this exhibition is where it finishes.

"It must be the start of efforts to create a permanent exhibition or museum, which I will support as much as I can.

"Amateur football and Bishop Auckland go hand-in-hand. People around here have always played and supported the game with a passion, so it is the ideal location for the centre."

He also promised to look at the possibility of housing the FA Amateur Cup, won by Bishop Auckland a record ten times, in the museum or having it as a temporary exhibit.

The town's MP, Derek Foster, is a driving force behind the project to build a grassroots version of the Football Association Museum, at Preston, Lancashire, which attracts 100,000 visitors a year.

Mr Foster is working with Groundwork West Durham, Bishop Auckland Football Club and Wear Valley District Council on the project.

If all goes to plan, a building in the market place would house a permanent football exhibition, and the visitors' centre would be developed, as well as an out-of-town stadium for the Bishops.

Mr Foster said: "It is an honour to have Lawrie to officially open the exhibition, and his support for the scheme will be invaluable.

"It is vitally important that we celebrate the wonderful heritage of all the local clubs, so their contribution to the national and professional game is not forgotten and will be a great attraction to the area."

From Wear Valley to Wembley - Local Football Heroes is at The Discovery Centre, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, until April 3.

The exhibition includes a replica of the World Cup won by West Auckland in 1909 and 1911.

Other clubs celebrated in the display are Crook, Willington and Tow Law.