SCOTSMAN Douglas Reid is preparing for a long summer, after his football-mad wife transformed their home into a shrine to England.

Fanatical England supporter Julie Reid has painted a huge cross of St George on the front of the house, in Pelaw Place, South Pelaw, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Mrs Reid, 31, a school kitchen assistant, has also filled the inside of their home with red and white bunting, flags and posters.

The move has delighted her sons, Douglas, 12, and Tommy, aged ten.

But her husband, who is from Ayrshire, is far from happy.

"I am the only Scotland supporter in the house," he said. "My sons support England, even the dog supports England. They all just take the mickey out of me."

Mrs Reid is a lifelong Newcastle United supporter. Her favourite club player is midfield general Gary Speed, but her England hero is David Beckham.

Mr Reid, 34, a spray painter at the Nissan car plant in Sunderland, said: "She was going to paint the house for the last World Cup, but it never happened, so she was determined to do it for the European championships.

"The front of the house was already painted white, so all she had to do was put the red cross on it.

"She got some masonry paint and took a spirit level to make sure it was all straight. I was very impressed."

Since it was completed last weekend, scores of passers-by have stopped to take a closer look.

"The neighbours think it's excellent," said Douglas. "They have been giving me a bit of a ribbing. But my family in Scotland are supporting me - my gran sent me the Scotland strip today.

"It is all just a bit of a laugh really. I am not one of those Scots who is anti-English. I think you have got to support any British team."