FOOTBALL hero Paul Gascoigne broke down in tears yesterday as he received an award for his charity work.

The North-East star - who famously wept when he was booked in a World Cup semi-final at Italia 90 - was in Newcastle to receive an award from the Variety Club of Great Britain.

Fellow stars turned out to honour Gazza at the lunch in the city's Civic Centre. Among the guests were fellow England stars Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley and former England manager Sir Bobby Robson.

Clearly overcome, Gazza gripped his microphone tightly as he struggled to say: "I'm sorry I'm always one for crying. You're just going to have to put up with it. I'm very proud to be given this award in my home town."

He dedicated his award to "the most important people in my life" - his parents.

Ashes star Steve Harmison was another guest and admitted he was bowled over to meet his football hero.

The bowler, known as the Ashington Express, came back to his beloved North-East on Tuesday and said he had kept a low profile since.

He said: "Paul Gascoigne is a North-East legend who deserves everything he gets from a function like this. He has been great throughout his career."

Sir Bobby Robson paid warm tribute to the player he once described as being "daft as a brush".

He said: "He is lovable, he is daft, he is fun - but he could play."

Looking tanned and extremely thin, Gazza said: "To have so many of my friends, former managers, players and fans here today is fantastic."

Fellow Euro 96 hero Alan Shearer fondly remembered the tournament.

He said: "I had the pleasure of rooming next door to him, which was an interesting experience. We had an alarm call from his room of 'come on England' every single morning at 8am and his stereo blasting out Three Lions."