A FOOTBALL-mad vicar has changed the words to hymns to try to help Newcastle United pull away from the relegation zone.

The Reverend Glyn Evans’ revised hymn book includes Lord of the Toon, to the tune of Lord of the Dance, All Things Black and Beautiful, to the tune of All Things Bright and Beautiful and a relegationthemed Jerusalem.

Mr Evans, who is the chaplain of St Andrew’s Church, in Newcastle, is praying divine intervention can save Alan Shearer’s men.

The team is 18th in the Premier League and three points from safety before tonight’s vital game against local rivals Middlesbrough.

Mr Evans, 50, has been a season ticket holder at St James’ Park for 21 years.

He said: “Unfortunately, the Newcastle fans haven’t had much joy to sing about this season. I’m hoping a bit of divine intervention can pull us out of the relegation zone.”