TEN years ago, this week, football legend Sir Trevor Brooking was in the region to open a £1.8m football centre.

The former England and West Ham midfielder opened the Russell Foster Football Centre, in Staddon Way, Newbottle, near Houghton-le-Spring.

The centre would be the headquarters of the Russell Foster Tyne and Wear Youth League, providing 21 grass pitches, office space, classrooms and changing rooms.

The Northern Echo: Sir Trevor hands out trophies for young footballers at the opening event Picture: DOUG JACKSONSir Trevor hands out trophies for young footballers at the opening event Picture: DOUG JACKSON

The league, founded in 1975, produced many famous professional players, including Andy Carroll and Michael Carrick, attracting about 14,000 active members.

The Football Foundation provided a £988,869 grant towards the centre.

Crowd's delight as William and Kate said 'I do'

Newlyweds William and Kate sealed their love with not one, but two kisses on Buckingham Palace's famous balcony, as 500,000 well-wishers cheered them on.

The royal bride and groom then ushered in a new era for the British monarchy, leaving their wedding reception in the Prince of Wales' blue Aston Martin with the groom at the wheel.

To the delight of the crowds, the sports car had a rear number plate that read JU5T WED.

The Northern Echo: Smiles all around for William and Kate Picture: REBECCA NADEN / PASmiles all around for William and Kate Picture: REBECCA NADEN / PA

The future king and his bride had earlier tied the knot amid the splendour of Westminster Abbey.

The former Miss Middleton had started the day a commoner, but by its end had become HRH the Duchess of Cambridge - because Prince William was made a duke by the Queen.

The prince, a search and rescue helicopter pilot, appeared with his brother in their Bentley en route to the abbey.

Wearing the red tunic of the Irish Guards, of which he is honorary colonel, the 28-year old led also acknowledged the RAF by wearing a blue sash representing his "wings".

The Northern Echo: Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace, London Picture: REBECCA NADEN / PAPrince William and his wife Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace, London Picture: REBECCA NADEN / PA

The bride wore an ivory gown with lace applique floral detail designed by Sarah Burton, at Alexander McQueen.

The lace design incorporated the rose, thistle, daffodil and the shamrock - the four floral emblems of the United Kingdom - and the skirt resembled "an opening flower".

'Won't take it lying down'

Meanwhile, a 99-year-old churchgoer was prepared to lie down in the road in protest over parking attendants who targeted Easter weekend worshippers.

Alicia Wilson, from Darlington, said she would take the action in defence of Northgate United Reformed Church.

The Northern Echo: From left, Alicia Wilson, 98, the Reverend Tjarda Murray, Rae Scott, 99, and Peter Murray with Pipit Picture: CHRIS BOOTHFrom left, Alicia Wilson, 98, the Reverend Tjarda Murray, Rae Scott, 99, and Peter Murray with Pipit Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

On Easter Sunday, Miss Wilson, daughter of Darlington war hero Captain Hugh Russell Wilson, had to plead with the parking attendants not to put a ticket on her car, which she said was parked legally outside the church.

They relented, but had already booked another worshipper on Good Friday.

The man had returned to his car after a service had overrun to find a parking ticket on his windscreen.

The Reverend Tjarda Murray said the very future of the establishment was under threat because the parking attendants would not leave her congregation alone.