'I REALISE that I am a very fortunate man," said Alan Shearer yesterday.

Nearing the end of a wonderful career, it has not been a vintage year on the pitch for Newcastle United.

But off it, everything has gone right - a baby son, the Freedom of Newcastle, and now an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Shearer will be remembered as one of the truly great players to wear the black and white of the Magpies and to have captained England. He fully deserves this recognition.

But Alan Shearer would probably be the first to admit that Dela Smith's honour is even more worthy.

Her profession as a head teacher does not bring the financial rewards enjoyed by even third-rate footballers, but a price cannot be placed on the value she brings to the children she helps to care for.

Mrs Smith becomes a dame for her precious work at Beaumont Hill Special School in Darlington, with children with a wide range of learning difficulties.

She did not expect a mention in the list and managed to keep the news to herself for a month. It was received with a tribute to her colleagues and the community which has supported her.

We add our congratulations to those from all walks of life who have been honoured today - especially people like Dela Smith who do not normally find themselves in the headlines.

There are many who realise how fortunate they are to have her.