WORLD Cup fever will reach the masses on Sunday morning when a North-East church screens England's opening football match.

As chaplain to Newcastle United Football Club, it is hardly surprising that the Reverend David Tully, vicar of St John's Church in Gateshead, is incorporating England's first match against Sweden into Sunday's service.

The church will have a big screen so the congregation can cheer on England.

Before and after the 10.30am match and at half-time, there will be prayers and a video entitled The Ultimate Goal featuring footballers talking about their faith.

Parishioners can choose to attend a service to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee at another Gateshead church if the World Cup is not for them.

Mr Tully said it was a Gateshead-wide initiative but St John's had been selected for the best picture reception, because it is on Sheriff Hill.

He said: "We will be praying not for England to win but giving thanks for the world sporting festival it is, and for sportsmanship and safety.

"I hope people do cheer if England score and enter into the spirit of it but we don't necessarily want them swearing at the referee.

"I think it will be quite a nice atmosphere here - enjoyable and wholesome."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, gave his blessing for clergy to change Sunday's church service times earlier this week.

Across the region, many churches are being left to decide whether or not they want to make allowances.

The Reverend Stephen Conway, senior chaplain to the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, said: "Churches are being encouraged to be alert, to plug into what the community is feeling and to reflect that, from what is going on in Japan to celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee."

The Reverend John Carter, spokesman for the Ripon and Leeds Diocese, said: "The general thing is that the service times are in the hands of the Parochial Church Council and the vicar, but I don't think many are cancelling or moving services."