A football-crazy vicar has been blessed with an award naming him Newcastle United's top fan.

The Reverend Glyn Evans is so passionate about his beloved Toon that he has even rewritten religious hymns to praise his favourite side.

Mr Evans, chaplain at St Andrew's Church, Newgate Street, Newcastle, who sports a shaved head, earrings and frequently a black and white dog collar, has been an avid fan for 15 years.

His revised hymn book contains tongue-in-cheek tunes such as Score Shearer, Score (to the tune of Shine Jesus, Shine), the rousing call-to-arms Onward Bobby's Soldiers (to the tune of Onward Christian Soliders) and the joyous celebration All Things Black and Beautiful (to the tune of All Things Bright and Beautiful).

However, the Magpies must share a place in Mr Evans' heart with his religion.

"So many people are passionate about Newcastle United, it makes sense to combine the love of the club with the love of God," he said.

This belief that his two loves go perfectly together was illustrated when Mr Evans hit the headlines earlier this year when he installed a television in his church so that the congregation didn't miss Newcastle's FA Cup game with Manchester City.

"If it means more people come together on a Sunday for worship, then it's a good thing", he said.

Mr Evans believes religion and football can offer people similar benefits.

"Singing about something you are passionate about gives you a great sense of well-being. It brings people together; whether they are at church or on the terraces, it makes them feel part of something larger."

Mr Evans will be presented with the Barclaycard Fan of the Month award at St James' Park on Tuesday, April 9, when United take on London side Fulham.

The sponsorship director at Barclaycard, Nic Gault, said, "Fan of the Month is all about recognising the loyalty, passion and commitment supporters show to their club."

"Glyn demonstrates perfectly how important football is to Newcastle fans".

The vicar often refers to his black robe and white dog collar as his Newcastle replica kit, and named his son Jack Ossie, after the Magpies' Argentinian ex-manager Ossie Ardiles