FORMER Newcastle United and England striker Alan Shearer will be recognised for his achievements off the football pitch this weekend.

The Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer will receive the North East Personality of the Year trophy at the North East Football Writers’ Association’s annual awards night at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, on Sunday.

The award is given in association with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation to recognise someone who uses their position in football to benefit the wider community. Niall Quinn, Robbie Elliott, Steve Harper and Jermain Defoe are previous winners.

Shearer launched his own charity, the Alan Shearer Foundation, in 2012 to support the Alan Shearer Centre in Newcastle. It provides specialist respite, residential and social provision for people with complex disabilities and acute sensory impairments. He is a patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, an ambassador for the NSPCC and an honorary patron of CHUF (the Children’s Heart Unit Fund), and has supported charity events and activities including Sport Relief challenges. His Newcastle United testimonial match in 2006 raised £1.64m for good causes.

He also worked on the sports science documentary, Dementia, Football and Me, which investigated the potential link between heading the ball and dementia.

Colin Young, secretary of the North East Football Writers’ Association, said: “We’ve been keen to honour Alan for many years and we’re very proud to be able to do so now. The timing feels exactly right after the release of his excellent dementia documentary.

“Alan is someone who represents this sport and this region wherever he goes, and he does so extremely well. His commitment to supporting charities is second-to-none and he does immense good through his own Foundation. He’s an extremely worthy recipient of this award.”

Held annually at Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham, the North East Football Writers' Association Awards night, sponsored by William Hill, celebrates the best of North East football. The event will, once again, raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which helps find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.

Lady Elsie said: “I didn’t hesitate for a moment when Alan was suggested for this award.

“Like my husband, he’s always understood that being a high-profile footballer brings great rewards but also great responsibilities and the chance to do something positive to help others. Especially in an area like the North East, which is so passionate about the game.

“Alan’s such an active supporter of local charities and absolutely deserves recognition for that. I’m very proud that he’s a Patron of our own Foundation and I know Bob would be, too.

“In fact, I know he’d have him down as the first name on his team sheet.”

Other award winners will include Men’s Player of the Year, Martin Dubravka, Young Player of the Year, Josh Maja and Womens’ Player of the Year, Beth Hepple.