PAUL 'Gazza' Gascoigne was back in the North-East last night helping to secure the future of his home-town football club.

The future of Gateshead FC was in the balance after Cameron Hall Developments cut short its sponsorship deal with the UniBond League club.

Gateshead was left needing £60,000 to secure its short-term future and a fundraising event last night, hosted by Century FM's Paul 'Goffy' Gough in front of a packed audience at the Federation Brewery, boosted the fund even further.

Goffy said: "Gazza coming home to do this for Gateshead speaks volume of the man. It was a pleasure to host the evening with him.''

The evening featured an auction of football memorabilia, including a signed Juan Sebastian Veron Manchester United shirt and a signed Alan Shearer Newcastle United shirt.

Gazza, born and raised in Gateshead and now with First Division Burnley, had already pledged £10,000 to the fund.

Gateshead chairman John Gibson said: "Gazza might have got some stick throughout his career, but everybody in football has always respected him.

"I have always said he is the most generous man in the game, and the most talented in the last ten years.

"But to go as far as this for his home town club is a staggering gesture. I have been a close friend of his since the first time I presented him with a cup as a 14-year-old at Gateshead.

"I have his framed England and Lazio shirts in pride of place in my house.''