Life of Sir Bobby celebrated

A special evening to celebrate the life of Sir Bobby Robson brought stars from the world of sport and showbiz out to mark what would have been the former England and Newcastle manager's 80th birthday.

It was an event that Sir Bobby helped to plan himself, but one that he did not live to see.

Watch the full report from Jonny Blair below.

Stars from the worlds of sport and showbiz turned out last night to attend a special evening celebrating the life of Sir Bobby Robson.

Yesterday would have been the former England and Newcastle manager's 80th birthday.

Watch the full lunchtime report from Jonny Blair below.

Stars from the world of sport and showbiz were at The Sage in Gateshead last night to celebrate the life of Sir Bobby Robson. The fundraiser was held on what would have been the former England and Newcastle manager's 80th birthday. He was remembered through songs, interviews and speeches.

André Villas-Boas and Stuart Pearce were amongst hundreds who supported the event to raise money for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Alan Shearer Foundation.

Alan Pardew says Sir Bobby was revered "not just in the North East but around the country."

Russell Watson and Joe McElderry are just two of the acts on tonight's bill of entertainment to celebrate Sir Bobby Robson's life.

Russell Watson will be performing two of Sir Bobby's favourite, "Barcelona" and "Land of Hope and Glory", whilst Joe McElderry will sing anthem "Nessun Dorma" and "Don't Stop Believing."

Today marks what would have been the 80th birthday of Sir Bobby Robson. Sir Bobby died in 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

A star-studded event is being held to celebrate the life of the former Newcastle and England manager.

Famous names from the world of sport and showbiz will be there, with proceeds going to Sir Bobby's own charity.

Jonny Blair takes a look back at the man who made such a difference to football and beyond.

Impressionist and stand-up comic Alistair McGowan has been speaking about how Sir Bobby Robson was a true gentleman and a big part of his childhood.

"Bobby was a huge part of my growing up. I cheered on his Ipswich in Europe and our England against the world.

He was always so passionate about his work and yet always dignified and ready to laugh - qualities often missing in modern football.

I met him on a couple of occasions and he really was a true gentleman - and very nice to my mother!

So, I'm delighted to help raise money for his foundation. It should be a very special evening."

Peter Brewis, from Sunderland band Field Music, has spoken of his respect for Sir Bobby Robson - despite being born and raised as a Sunderland supporter,

“And yes, I am a Sunderland supporter - but Bobby did manage my boyhood heroes at one point..... Barcelona!

My first real memories of football were from the 86 world cup and from then on Bobby was a hero of mine. Even when he was making sure Newcastle was a better team than Sunderland that never changed!

It's really great to be asked to be asked to be involved in this - I'm sure he wouldn't mind a Wearsider joining in.”

Tottenham manager Andre Villas Boas has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Robson on what would have been the ex-Newcastle and England manager's 80th birthday.

"Sir Bobby is one of the great managers of the game and without him I probably would not be where I am now.

He offered me a unique opportunity to get involved in football, taking me under his wing when I was still a teenager.

His enthusiasm and passion for management certainly rubbed off on me.

He was not only a great manager but a great man and I will never forget his generosity towards me, he will always be an inspiration.

I am always keen to support the Bobby Robson Foundation and the excellent work that it carries out.

Bobby is a person that I will always cherish, and I hope the Foundation continues to prosper in his name."