BELFAST City Airport has now become the George Best Belfast City Airport after a star-studded official re-naming ceremony.

Soccer stars like former Celtic boss and Northern Ireland international Martin O'Neill, international goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings and eccentric former boxing world champion Chris Eubanks were among the famous names who rubbed shoulders with Best fans, local dignatories and members of the Best family.

New York has its JFK, Paris has a Charles de Gaulle, Liverpool has a John Lennon Airport, now Belfast has George Best airport.

"Today would have been George's 60th birthday and I can think of no better tribute to mark this special occasion," said his sister Barbara McNarry.

"With Flybe having already named one of its aircraft, the George Best, you can now fly the George Best from Manchester into George Best Belfast City Airport."

Tribute was paid to the City Airport and its Spanish owners Ferrovial for their positive reaction to the renaming idea, and for expediting the scheme so that it could be carried out in such a short time frame.

Chief Executive of the now George Best Belfast City Airport Brian Ambrose said the decision to rename the airport had gained international as well as local support.

"Right from the outset the plan received the support of all four major political parties in Northern Ireland and backing from right across the community.

"The renaming ceremony officially pays tribute to Northern Ireland's most famous footballer and marks another milestone in this airport's history.

"With over two million passengers travelling through the airport each year, George's memory will not be forgotten."

He confirmed that the Airport would also shortly be erecting a permanent fixture inside the terminal to enable members of the public to support the George Best Foundation.

And a major new medical laboratory named after Best could be opened in London within the next two months. Said Professor Roger Williams, who performed the liver transplant on the soccer legend and treated him right up until his death: "We hope to have the laboratory set up in the next two months depending on funds."

Most glowing tribute to Best at the re-naming ceremony came from world soccer icon Pele. Although he wasn't there in person, BBC presenter Gordon Burns, a friend of the Best family over many years, quoted the great Brazilian when asked for his comments about the Manchester Utd and Northern Ireland soccer genius.

Speaking in a BBC interview, the famous Brazilian said he ranked George Best as the very best in the world.

"George Best must have been born in Brazil," said Pele. "He was definitely not European, because of the way he dribbled the ball and the amazing facility he had for ball control. He was for me the greatest player."

Belfast City Airport terminal now has the name, George Best, emblazoned signature style, at the top of the terminal building.

BY BRIAN OGLE