A NEWCASTLE United star took time out of his busy schedule to visit youngsters in Prudhoe 25 years ago this week.

Peter Beardsley, who played for the Magpies between 1983 and 1987, and then again from 1993-1997, took a trip to the town to launch a ten-week mini-soccer programme.

The striker, who was actually born in Hexham but grew up in Forest Hall, brought along his childrem Stacy and Drew to launch the programme.

More than 100 local children took part in the programme, which was sponsored by Prudhoe Town FC.

In his two spells with Newcastle, Beardsley made 321 appearances and scored117 goals. He also turned out for England 59 times and is considered one of the country's finest footballers.

He later returned to Newcastle as a coach, but left the club in March last year following allegations of racism. He was later charged with three counts of using racist language to players by the FA.