FOOTBALL is a religion to many in the North-East, so it seemed fitting that the FA Cup stood gleaming next to the altar.

Yesterday, Sunderland Minster was the venue for a memorial to Bob Stokoe, who brought the trophy back to the region twice.

He won it once as a Newcastle United player and again as Sunderland manager, on May 5, 1973.

Footage from the game and the subsequent celebrations were played, watched by former players and Mr Stokoe's friends and family.

His daughter, Karen Craven, led the tributes to her father, who died in February, aged 73, on the 31st anniversary of the club's cup win.

She said: "My dad did a job he loved, to the best of his ability. He saw himself as being very lucky in life to be able to be paid to do the things he loved doing.

"Dad was as aware as anyone that football is a team game and hence the puzzlement about singling him out as the messiah figure.

"He said: 'Why me? I'm only doing my job'."

The service began with the singing of Abide With Me and there was a rendition of Nessun Dorma, by Chris Hartson.

Canon Stephen Taylor said: "Bob had a common touch and he was able to relate to people and this set him apart from other managers.

"He was a hard man when he was playing for Newcastle as centre half, but when he was dealing with people he was able to inspire them to play together as a team."

Mr Stokoe was granted the Freedom of the Borough of Sunderland in 1974.

About 200 people attended the civic testimonial service, which included a speech by Sunderland Mayor Juliana Heron.

She said: "In a city such as Sunderland, the success of the football club really does matter to the well being of the city and its people. The good image of the club enhances the images of the city and the pride of its citizens."