A FOOTBALL fan has paid the ultimate tribute to his favourite club by getting Newcastle United's emblem etched into his glass eye.

Andrew Canavan, who lost his right eye aged just 15, is a life long Magpies' fan, and wanted to do something unique to support his club.

The 35-year-old spent a year trying to secure permission from Newcastle United to use their logo - a registered trademark - before finally getting the go ahead this summer.

His glass eye, made by a specialist in Blackpool for £152.80, arrived at his home in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, earlier this week.

The demolition worker plans to wear the glass eye every day and says he has had a brilliant reaction from friends and family.

However, he adds that he's had some grief from rival Mackems for taking his love of Newcastle to the extreme.

Father-of-three Mr Canavan said: "I've had some snide comments from Sunderland fans on Facebook, but that is only to be expected.

"When some people lose an eye they are devastated, but I saw it as an opportunity to do something unique.

"I have always been a Newcastle United fan. Where I come from, you don't choose what club you support, you are born into it. My dad was a Newcastle fan, and my granddad.

"This is the ultimate tribute to Newcastle United."

The football fanatic's baby Delly, 19-months-old, has been pointing and laughing at the eye since he started wearing it.

Mr Canavan's partner Emma Tray, 30, added: "This does not surprise me at all. It is exactly the kind of mad thing Andrew would do."

A spokesman for Newcastle United said: "It was certainly an unusual request but one that we were more than happy to assist with."