TROUBLED Paul Gascoigne is hoping to pedal his way back to fitness.

The 40-year-old surprised staff at a Newcastle cycle shop when he called in to buy a racer.

The former Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and England footballer is recovering from a mental breakdown with his family after being released from a psychiatric hospital.

He called into Denton Cycles, on Scotswood Road, Newcastle, on Wednesday.

Owner Phil Storey said: "We were a bit surprised to say the least.

"His dad came in first, to check it was okay and then Gazza came in.

"He was really nice. He's a really decent lad and he shook everybody's hand and said good morning to all the staff.

"He said he was wanted to get back some conditioning. Then he had a look around and got some clothing and bought a road bike.

"He didn't say a great deal really, apart from that he wanted to get fit and that he thought it was a really nice bike. He was just a smashing down-to-earth lad."

The star was arrested and detained under the Mental Health Act after an incident at the Malmaison Hotel on Newcastle's Quayside last month.

Friends and former colleagues from the sporting world rallied round as Gazza was admitted to Middleton St George Hospital near Darlington.

Among those offering support were former England teammates Gary Lineker and Peter Shilton and ex-boss Sir Bobby Robson.

Gazza's best friend Jimmy "Five Bellies" Gardner said at the time: "I visited him every day to try to cheer him up. But he rarely laughed or smiled and refused to leave the room.

"I want the FA to help Paul find a job in the sport. He's done so much for England he deserves a chance."