A local bike shop is celebrating the immense success of their VIP re-launch party, which was unveiled by one very special guest.

M. Steel Cycles, based in South Gosforth, last night threw a lavish bash to mark the opening of their new, state of the art premises. The party was attended by over 150 people, including Geordie legend Alan Shearer.

Owner Joe Waugh, who is an Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist himself, could not have been happier with the way the party went. He said, “I was so impressed with the turn-out and the place looked fantastic. We’re so happy with the new premises and the party was just the icing on the cake.”

M. Steel Cycles, which has been serving the cycling needs of the region since 1894, is a flagship store for bike manufacturers Specialized. They sponsored Alan Shearer in the Sport Relief Super Cycle challenge, when he teamed up with TV presenter Adrian Chiles to cycle 355 miles in 36 hours from Newcastle to London and raised an incredible £430,000 for Sport Relief.  The night raised an additional £205 for the charity.

Specialized also presented Alan with a new bike, as he now cycles up to four days a week. In his opening speech, Joe Waugh said to Alan, “Forget the caps, forget all the goals, forget all the accolades, you’re now my hero. You’ve discovered a real sport: cycling!”

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress (Councillors David and Margaret Wood) were also honoured guests at the event along with supporters of M. Steel Cycles during its 114 year reign in the City.

Guests were treated to delicious food, provided by Boldon Farmhouse Pantry and were bowled over by balloonologists from It’s Time to Party. One particular work of art was a giant balloon Penny Farthing to represent M. Steel Cycles logo. They also presented Alan Shearer with a mini effigy of himself made entirely out of balloons, complete with his number nine shirt on his back and riding a bike!

The new two-floor superstore is situated just around the corner from the old one on Bowsden Terrace, South Gosforth. Owner Joe Waugh can hardly believe how much the shop has grown: “As a local independent store, we really feel like we’re one of the big boys! We can offer so much more than the larger stores and people have trusted us for decades.

Joe concluded, “The party was a complete success and Alan was a great sport – the perfect ambassador for cycling as a whole!”

Check out the video http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pU6YE82haEI

Check out the gallery at http://blog.msteelcycles.co.uk/gallery/?album=2