LIFELONG Arsenal fan Philip North had split loyalties when his team beat the Clarets three-nil last Saturday just six day before being announced as the new Bishop of Burnley.

The 49-year-old confessed his dilemma will be even worse by the time 'The Gunners' play the return at Turf Moor on April 11.

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By then he will have been consecrated in as deputy to Bishop of Blackburn Julian Henderson, leader of Lancashire's Anglicans.

Rev North was tackled on his soccer loyalties when he was unveiled yesterday (FRI) at Burnley Faith Centre on Barden Lane b y 17-year-old Clarets fan Valerie Aspiras.

The Thomas Whitham Sixth Form pupil asked him: "Will you be praying for Burnley Football Club?"

Rev North confessed: "As a lifelong Arsenal fan, I had divided loyalties as they beat Burnley three nil.

"I think I shall be praying for Burnley to stay in the Premiership and Arsenal to win it."

Speaking later, Rev North said: "I think Burnley should stay up as they get used to the Premiership.

"I shall divide up footballing prayer duties with Bishop Julian.

"I shall pray for Burnley and he can pray for Blackburn Rovers."

Rev North, is currently Rector of inner city Old St Pancras, a large inner city parish in North London. and a governor of a 68 per cent Muslim school.

Previously he worked in Sunderland and Hartlepool in the industrial North-East of England.

Rev North said: “It is a daunting privilege to be appointed Bishop of Burnley.

"It is really good to be returning to the North where I began my ministry, and especially to be coming to Lancashire with its diverse communities, stunning countryside and terrific football!"

An Anglo-Catholic who voted against ordaining women Bishops, he will have care for priests and parishes from the traditional wing of the Church of England.

He opposes Church remarriage of divorcees but as the son of separated parents would bless their civil ceremonies.

He said: "From my experience in the North East and London I know all about post-industrial urban areas and ethnically diverse communities."

Bishop Julian said: "Philip comes to us with a wealth of experience and a passion for spreading the gospel."