AS England sealed their Test series win over New Zealand at Headingly yesterday, former international Steve Harmison continued his benefit year celebrations, and praised those involved for their support of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Durham fast bowler Harmison, 34, hosted the latest event of his benefit year – a golf day and gala dinner at Northumberland’s Slaley Hall.

Almost halfway through the 12-month celebrations, Harmison is raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, as well as The Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) Benevolent Fund.

And after an impressive turn-out, which included former Newcastle United captain Alan Shearer and Harmison’s ex-England team-mates Andrew Flintoff and Paul Collingwood, the Ashington Express was bowled over by the support of those who attended and believes the good numbers attending was due to the affiliation with the former Newcastle United manager’s charity.

“You’ve got to be pleased with the turnout. As an event it’s exactly what we wanted to have. You’ve got both courses here at Slaley and it’s a fantastic venue,” Harmison said.

“To be honest, the people that have turned out are all North East-based people who enjoy their golf but have all come out to support what hopefully is a good worthwhile day.

“There was balloons flying about, there’s the trick shot guy, the beat the pro and all the proceeds are going to charity.

“Everybody seems to be putting their hand in their pocket and doing it for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. For me it’s brilliant getting so many people coming up supporting me.

“It makes me feel really, really proud. It’s a special feeling.

“But I’ve always known North-East people support North-East people, so I’m not surprised. I’m really pleased about that.”

Shearer, whose own charity – The Alan Shearer Foundation – also supports Robson’s legacy paid tribute to the celebrated fast bowler.

He said: “He’s a good lad Harmy, he’s done a lot for North East sport and given a bit to charity as well, which helps, so I’m only too pleased to help him.

“The fact that he’s giving money from his benefit to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation just sums him up. I don’t need to say what a nice guy he is. I’ve known him for a number of years. It says a lot about the guy that he’s willing to give a bit back.

“He left a legacy, didn’t he, Sir Bobby, and everyone’s only too willing to help as much as they can.

“That includes Harmy and myself and a lot of other people around the country. It’s great.”

Former Newcastle defender John Beresford addded: “I got to know Harmy through the sporting aspect with him being a big Newcastle fan and over the years I’ve been involved in some charity dos with him and when you get to spend time with him socially you realise just how good a lad he is.

“He does a lot of good up in the North-East and he handles himself brilliantly. When you get an opportunity to put a little something back in it’s great. It’s a game of golf catching up with old friends, it couldn’t get any better.

“I think you’ve just got to remember how good he (Harmy) was.

“He’s such a great lad, he’s got no airs or graces.

“I’ve seen him spend so much time with fans and I think that’s a bit of a dying art with sportsmen these days.

“Not only was Sir Bobby a great front for everything that he’s done but as you get older you find yourself being touched by cancer in some way whether it be friends or family.

“People come to these events to have a good time but there’ll be a little thought about doing something for the less fortunate.”