Knopfler's new Local Hero gets St James' airing

Mark Knopfler has reworked his Local Hero theme

St James' Park will be treated to a new version of Dire Straits star Mark Knopfler's Local Hero on Saturday.

Knopfler has joined forces with more than 50 artists to remake the song in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.

Artists lending their talents include Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Brian May.

Local Hero is played at every Newcastle United home game and the guitarist said it was an “amazing feeling” to have a song that meant so much to people in the North East.

The new version will be played at Newcastle's Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

The song is the final piece Jeff Beck recorded before he died last year.

Mark Knopfler met nurses and staff during a visit to the Teenage Cancer Trust ward at Newcastle's RVI

Knopfler, 74, who grew up in Blyth, Northumberland, said he chose to help the Teenage Cancer Trust after he was “overwhelmed” by the care provided by staff at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

“I was just talking to a young girl there who was told she wouldn't walk again, and she was just standing there, talking to me,” he said.

“She couldn't walk when she came into the hospital and she walked out of it.

“This is just the best thing. I can't think of anything better than that.”

'Proud of forever'

He said having a song that meant so much to the region was a “fantastic thing”.

“It’s something you can be proud of forever,” he said.

The single’s artwork has been designed by Sir Peter Blake who co-created the album sleeve The Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

It will be officially released on 15 March.

The Dire Straits star held a Q&A with Alan Shearer at a charity auction at St James' Park on Friday