Newcastle United is saddened to learn of the passing of one of the club's oldest supporters, Reverend James Errington.

A lifelong fan, he sadly passed away last week aged 102.

A former minister at Denton Burn Methodist Church, Reverend Errington was a season ticket holder at St. James' Park until just last year and was a passionate supporter of Newcastle United Foundation.

His love of the Magpies began in the 1928/29 season, when his head teacher at Annfield Plain arranged a special treat for the school football team – a trip to St. James’ Park.

A passion for the Magpies blossomed as Hughie Gallacher mesmerised fans with his goalscoring exploits andReverend Errington continued to follow the club closely throughout another nine decades of highs and lows.

A familiar face to many, he featured in Newcastle United Foundation's 2013/14 Annual Review and was involved in the charity's Toon Times project, which showcased the history of the club and the North East community’s passion for football over generations.

In 2015, aged 100, Reverend Errington represented Newcastle United in the FA Fans Choir, singing Abide With Me alongside Alfie Boe at the Wembley Final.

Reverend Errington’s son, Chris, said: "My dad was a massive Newcastle United supporter.

"He gave up his season ticket only last year and always appreciated that the people that sat around him almost created a human shield around him on the way in and out of the stadium to protect him from getting accidentally bumped.

“Dad was also a huge advocate of Newcastle United Foundation. He felt they were an extension of what he believed in, helping and supporting the most disadvantaged in our community.

"He couldn’t speak highly enough of the work they do and really felt that they were the unsung heroes of Newcastle United.

"Dad was proud to be part of Toon Times and the Annual Review. His love of Newcastle United gave him great joy and to share that with others was something he truly enjoyed.”

Lee Charnley, managing director at Newcastle United, said: "Reverend Errington was a wonderful supporter of both the club and Newcastle United Foundation.

"In recent years, he gave his time so generously to support the Foundation's Toon Times project and exhibition, which broke visitor records at the city's Discovery Museum, and it was an honour for us to share his vivid memories with so many people.

"We are incredibly grateful for his lifetime of support and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."