FOOTBALLER Alan Shearer is giving his time to help disadvantaged young people in the region.

The Newcastle United centre-forward and former England captain will make a rare appearance as a guest speaker at a charity sportsman's dinner in aid of the Teesside-based inner city youth charity Fairbridge.

The event is expected to be well attended after Shearer was once again voted North-East Player of the Year for last season, as well as being recognised as the Premiership's number one player since its inception ten years ago. Shearer is also the Premiership's all-time leading goalscorer.

He will be supported on the evening by another well-known North-East footballer, former Middlesbrough and Newcastle star David Mills, who was Britain's first £500,000 footballer.

Mills is now assistant chief scout for Newcastle United.

The evening will be hosted by Paul "Goffy" Gough, of Century FM.

Teesside is one of the UK's 13 most disadvantaged areas, and Fairbridge works to tackle youth unemployment, crime and truancy by offering young people long-term support and a personal development programme.

The dinner will be held on Monday, July 7, at Tall Trees, Yarm, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £30, and can be booked on (01642) 327583 ext 248.