FOOTBALL legend Alan Shearer has cut the ribbon on a £500,000 hydrotherapy suite for disabled children.

Three-year-old Jessica Robertson became the first person to try out the new pool at the Alan Shearer Centre, in Newcastle.

The state-of-the-art facility, entirely paid for by the Alan Shearer Foundation, offers a mix of interactive mood lighting and water and music features, with a full-length window looking out onto the centre’s grounds.

“I have to pinch myself sometimes when I see what my Foundation has been able to achieve,” said the former Newcastle and England striker.

“We set ourselves bold targets, but our incredible supporters have risen to the challenge.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has donated and helped to make this possible.

“It’s so important for me to know that my Foundation is making a real difference to the many thousands of people who use the centre every year.’’