A HOST of celebrities have checked into the children's ward of the new £67m Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

Among the famous faces are former Republic of Ireland and Sunderland football star Niall Quinn and Newcastle United and former England striker Alan Shearer.

But the celebrities have not been struck down by a winter bug - they have given autographed photographs so a bed could be named after them.

Other sports stars supporting the project include sailor Ellen McArthur, England footballers David Beckham and Michael Owen, Olympic heroes Sir Steve Redgrave and Jonathan Edwards and rugby ace Johnny Wilkinson.

Actor Patrick Stewart, dancer Darcey Bussell and naturalist David Bellamy also donated signed pictures to the ward.

The idea came from consultant paediatrician Dr Heather Smith, who said: "Prime Minister Tony Blair set the foundation stone and we got a picture and autograph then to hang at the ward entrance.

"That triggered the idea, so I wrote to many celebrities for their support. The hospital is really grateful to the many who took part.

"Naming the beds has given the young people unfortunate enough to need to stay in hospital more identity, rather than being in bed number three or four.

"It is certainly a talking point and makes them feel special."

Patient Scott Donohe, 15, is an avid Sunderland football fan, so was relieved when he was given the Niall Quinn room in favour of the one named after Newcastle United's Alan Shearer.

He said: "There is no way I could sleep in that bed."