THE late Sir Bobby Robson was honoured with a locomotive named in his memory today.

East Coast trains named the Class 91 high-speed locomotive after the football legend.

Sir Bobby's widow, Lady Elsie Robson and former England and Newcastle United captain, Alan Shearer OBE, patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation charity, performed the train-naming ceremony along with Elaine Holt, Chairman of East Coast at Newcastle Central Station this morning.

The Sir Bobby Robson Class 91 electric locomotive (number 91109) features specially-commissioned, cast-iron nameplates.

Speaking at the event, Elaine Holt, Chairman of East Coast said: "We are honoured to name the first of our prestigious locomotives Sir Bobby Robson in memory of such a legendary and much-respected sporting figure.

"Sir Bobby was a regular train traveller between the North-East and London, during his management career and beyond, as he worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for his Sir Bobby Robson Foundation charity.

"He was loved by many of our staff, particularly those at Durham and Newcastle stations who remember him with great affection.

"As it speeds through the North East on the East Coast route, this specially-named train will help to keep the memory of Sir Bobby Robson in people's minds and we hope will raise further awareness of his enduring legacy and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation for many years to come."

East Coast is also pledging its support for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, the cancer charity set up by Sir Bobby in 2008.

Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer, a patron of the Foundation, spoke of his pride as the gleaming locomotive, bearing the name of the man still revered as a legend on Tyneside shone in the morning light at the city's Central Station.

Shearer said: "It is an absolute honour and pleasure to officially name a high-speed East Coast train Sir Bobby Robson.

"I'm sure that Sir Bobby would be very proud to see his name and legacy continued in this very fitting and special way.

"It is also fantastic news that East Coast have decided to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as one of their chosen charities."

He added: "I am a regular traveller on East Coast trains and I'm looking forward to the day when the locomotive on front of the train I'm on is the Sir Bobby Robson locomotive.

"I think he would find it very amusing pulling Alan Shearer all the way to London at 125 miles per hour!"

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has now raised over £2.5m pounds to help find more effective treatments for cancer.