AN AVID England football fan has turned his home into a shrine to his heroes in support of their World Cup bid.

Andrew Kipling, 37, known as Kippa, has had the front of his home in Gouldsmith Gardens, Darlington, painted with the cross of St George as a sign of his undying support.

He also plans to have a large "three lions" emblem added above his front door, to add the finishing touch.

He told the D&S Times: "I wanted to do something different for the World Cup and it's my way of cheering the lads on."

Mr Kipling, who is also a keen follower of Darlington Football Club, works as a quality controller for a double glazing firm.

His girlfriend, Sharon Allinson, joked: "I was devastated because the inside of the house needs decorating and he did the outside first. But I'm OK with it really; he lives for his football."

Mr Kipling said the reaction from his neighbours had been positive.

"I've had no complaints so far," he added. "A lot of older people have stopped and asked me what it's for."

He said despite injuries to key members of the squad, he believes Sven-Goran Eriksson's men can go all the way.

"I know we're in the game of death against Argentina," he said, "but after that we've got every chance."

He said once the World Cup was over he intended to cover over the giant flag with terracotta paint. But he added with a chuckle: "If we win it, I might have to keep it on for the European Championships."