SUPERFAN Gary Lamb made the perfect match yesterday when he married his "understanding" sweetheart in a blaze of red and white.

The 42-year-old Sunderland fanatic sported a red and white waistcoat to kick off his married life at St Paul's Church, in Murton, County Durham.

His bride, Jackie Bates, 45, carried a bouquet in the same colours, and was followed down the aisle by scarlet-clad bridesmaids.

Even the guests joined in with the theme, donning buttonholes in Sunderland's trademark colours.

They included a Black Cats' player from every decade since the 1960s - Jim McNab, Bobby Kerr, Gary Rowell and Chris Makin - and even the club's vice-chairman, John Fickling, turned up to pay homage to its greatest fan.

To complete the star line-up, Sunderland FC mascot Samson the Cat revealed his true identity as Tony Davison to act as best man.

Gary, of Seaham, who was named Barclaycard Premiership Fan of the Month in January, and is the subject of a BBC Obsessions documentary, said the Sunderland theme was just as evident at the reception, at Shotton Hall.

"Samson was in normal gear for the wedding, but welcomed the evening guests in his cat suit," he said.

"I told Shotton Hall that there was no way anyone was wearing black and white, so the bar staff wore red bow ties and the waitresses wore red ties.

"The three-tier cake had red roses on it, and all the men wore Sunderland tops."

Gary, who attended his first Sunderland match against Sheffield Wednesday in 1969, last missed a game 27 years ago following a car crash.

He said: "We were on the way to West Brom for a match when it happened and I had an argument with the ambulanceman because I still wanted to go."

Ever since he met fellow Sunderland supporter Jackie through a lonely hearts column, seven years ago, she has supported his obsession.

"I didn't make any stipulations, but she said 'I'll never stop you going to games'," he said.

"Her support is fantastic. I was so proud to have her walking down the aisle with me - I wouldn't swap her for the world."

The couple opted to get married yesterday, rather than the more traditional Saturday, so Gary could attend Sunderland's game at Chelsea. A win would have completed the couple's weekend - but, unfortunately, Sunderland suffered a heavy defeat