FOOTBALL pundit and ex-PNE and Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson was in town to officially open an exhibition chronicling the life and times of the 'beautiful game' -- and announced it a success!

The National Football Museum exhibition, at Preston's St George's shopping centre, runs for the next three months and gives visitors a flavour of what to expect from the National Football Museum which officially opens this Friday (February 16) at Preston's ground in Deepdale.

During his visit, Mark Lawrenson (pictured with a replica of the FA Cup), who was born in the town and made his PNE debut in 1974, donated his European Cup winners' tracksuit to the museum.

He said: "As a Preston lad, I'm delighted to open this display at St George's Shopping Centre.

"It gives a real insight in to the evolution of the museum project from concept to completion and will give visitors an understanding of the permanent exhibition's content." The £12million football museum, designed to appeal to football 'anoraks' and novices alike, comprises of two 'Halves'.

The 'First Half' is based on a journey through football, with profiles of players and teams that have helped shape the present game.

The 'Second Half' is a themed, hands-on experience, one of the highlights being Gary Linekar and Alan Hansen inviting visitors to become guest panellists in a special edition 'Match of the Day'.

Mark Bushell, museum manager, added: "Although the museum is a separate entity from the club, Deepdale was widely considered as the most appropriate national venue.

"Not only were PNE winners of the world's oldest professional football league in 1888-9, but the club has played at the same ground for longer than any other English club."

The museum opens to the public on Friday February 16.