Toon Harmy honoured by Magpies

Stephen Harmison's Ashes heroics will be honoured by Newcastle © Getty Images

Ashes hero and Newcastle fan Steve Harmison has been promised a seat for life at St James’ Park as a reward for the part he played in England’s victory over Australia.

The Ashington-born pace bowler, who trained with the Magpies earlier in his career in a bid to improve his fitness, will be given a seat in the directors’ box marked by a plaque bearing the words: “Steve Harmison - Ashes Winner 2005.”

“Steve is a great sporting son of the north east and everyone at Newcastle United is delighted he and the England cricketers have won the Ashes back after all these years,” Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd told the club’s website.

“He makes no secret of the fact he’s a big Newcastle United fan so we are only too happy to offer him a seat for life at St James’ Park.”