UK Press Association

Shearer appointed Queen's envoy

30th September 2009

Football hero Alan Shearer has added another accolade to his name - being an official representative of the Queen.

The former England captain, Premier League winner and all-time top scorer, ex-Newcastle United boss and OBE has been appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland.

Shearer, whose 30 goals for England put him joint fifth in the record scorers' list, was picked for the role by the county's Lord Lieutenant, the Duchess of Northumberland.

As well as being a sporting hero, Shearer has been heralded for his charity work.

His testimonial after retiring as a Newcastle United player raised £1.6 million, which was split between 14 charities.

He is an ambassador for the NSPCC and raised £300,000 for Sport Relief by cycling with fellow Match of the Day presenter Adrian Chiles from Newcastle to London.

Shearer, 39, will stand in for the Duchess on occasions when she is unable to fulfil her role as the Queen's representative in the region.

Deputy Lieutenants receive their commission when the Queen sends confirmation that she does not "disapprove of the appointment".

They must live within the county, or at the most seven miles from the boundary, and usually retain the appointment until the age of 75.

He will be one of 22 deputies in the county, a list which includes World Cup winner Jack Charlton, who will retire in May.

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