The Newcastle United legend will be the Deputy Lieutenant and support and assist the Duchess in her new role as the Queen's representative for Northumberland.

Deputy Lieutenants are chosen by the Lord Lieutenant, but they receive their commission only when official confirmation is received that Her Majesty the Queen does not 'disapprove of the appointment'.

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

Commenting on his new role Alan said: "It is a real honour to be chosen for this position.

"I am delighted to be able to serve the county in this capacity and I look forward to assisting the Duchess in her official duties."

Shearer has strong connections with the North East. He was born and brought up in Gosforth and returned to the north in 1996 to play for his boyhood heroes, Newcastle United, for ten years.

His testimonial raised £1.6m to the benfit of 14 charities and worthy causes, including £400,000 for the NSPCC and £320,000 for completion of the 'Alan Shearer Centre', a respite care facility in Newcastle for disabled children.

He is also an ambassador for the children's charity the NSPCC and in 2008 raised over £300,000 for Sport Relief in a bike ride with fellow Match of the Day presenter Adrian Chiles.

The Duchess of Northumberland said: "I would find it difficult to think of anyone else in the region who is so symbolic of all that is great in the North East.

"Alan is respected and revered in the region and I am certain that he will be an excellent Deputy Lieutenant."