The shirt was presented by Shearer to a senior police officer at his final match in charge and was also signed by Keegan and members of the Newcastle squad

A remarkable piece of Newcastle United history is up for auction. The Newcastle United shirt was gifted by club legend Alan Shearer to a senior police officer and signed by the players and management.

The match-worn shirt, from Newcastle United's 1996-97 season, was presented to Police Match Commander Peter Durham QPM following the club's fixture against Leeds United on January 1 1997. The presentation marked Mr Durham's final match in charge as Police Match Commander.

As a senior police officer responsible for overseeing match-day policing, he had been at the heart of the action during one of the most exciting periods in Newcastle United's modern history. The shirt had been worn by Shearer during the previous Boxing Day fixture and was subsequently signed by the team's players and management, including the club's manager Kevin Keegan.

It is a particularly evocative piece of memorabilia from the days of the famous "Entertainers" - the thrilling Newcastle side that captured the imagination of football supporters nationwide as they challenged for the Premier League title. The shirt's provenance is supported by a collection of photographs showing the presentation, together with three pages of notes documenting the story behind the gift and providing authentication.

The shirt is estimated at £4,000-£5,000 in Hansons Auctioneers' November Sporting Sale. Hansons owner Charles Hanson said: “Now here's a dressing-room story with a rather unusual twist! Most police officers finish their shift with a cup of tea, but Peter Durham walked away with a shirt from Alan Shearer and an autograph collection from one of the most exciting football teams in the country.

“It's a wonderful story of footballing hospitality. Peter had spent years keeping order on match days, and on his final game in charge he was invited into the Newcastle dressing room. I imagine that was one occasion when he was rather pleased to be on the other side of the police cordon.

“Alan Shearer is a name that sends a shiver down the spine of many a Newcastle supporter. He was a phenomenal striker, and to have a shirt he actually wore, personally presented by him and signed by the likes of Kevin Keegan, is something rather special.

“Those were the days of the Entertainers. Newcastle had a team that could light up a football pitch and get an entire city dreaming. This shirt captures a little of that magic.

“It's not just a football shirt - it's a piece of Geordie history, with a fantastic story behind it. I suspect there'll be a few Newcastle fans wishing they could turn back the clock and get themselves into that dressing room.”

The shirt features in Hansons Auctioneers' November Sporting Sale on Thursday, November 12, starting at 10am. The auction takes place at Hansons' Derbyshire Saleroom, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS, with online and in-room bidding available.

Viewing is by appointment only. You can view the online catalogue here. To arrange a viewing or enquire about bidding, call 01283 733988 or email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.