Blackburn Rovers striking legend Alan Shearer delighted young fans on a surprise visit to the town’s £8million Youth Zone.

The striker-turned-pundit had a kick around on the facility’s roof-top pitch with youngsters when he arrived for talks about becoming an ambassador, causing excited squeals and a clammering for autographs.

He joins the likes of current Blackburn Rovers player David Dunn, Huncoat pop singer Diana Vickers and Blackburn-born designer Wayne Hemmingway, in officially promoting the Youth Zone’s work.

Julia Wright, spokeswoman for Blackburn Youth Zone, said: “As a football legend and a Blackburn Rovers hero, Alan is a natural choice for us. Sports are a big focus in the Youth Zone and, with a pitch on the roof, we know football is going to be very popular.

“With support from Alan we are going to be inundated with young footballers and may even find an Alan Shearer of the future.”

As well as checking out the football pitch, Alan also had a walk around the Jubilee Street building, taking in the sports hall, climbing wall, arts and crafts area, dance studio, fitness gym and media suite, that will be open for youngsters for 50p admission.

Julie said that having Alan on board would help put the Youth Zone “in the spotlight”.

She said: “For someone with such a busy schedule, it's very flattering that he's chosen to support us.

“He told me he gets asked to do a lot of charity work and will only say yes if there is a genuine link between him and the cause, and because he has affection for Blackburn and the people here he said yes. We are looking forward to his next visit.”