WORLD cup fever really will reach the masses on Sunday morning when one North-East church screens England's opening match.

As chaplain to Newcastle United Football Club, it is hardly surprising that the Rev 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 through the entire game.

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

Meanwhile parishioners can choose to attend a special 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 reception, being on top of Sheriff Hill.

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

"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 the blessing for clergy to change Sunday's church service times earlier this week. Across the region, many churches are being left to decide whether they want to make allowances for the World Cup.

The Rev Stephen Conway, senior chaplain to the Bishop of Durham, the Right Rev 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 Rev 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," he said.