A BLACKBURN vicar today urged David Seaman to put his World Cup woes behind him and said there are far more important things in the world than losing a football match.

The Rev Anthony Bedell, of St Luke with St Philip's, Bank Top, said England goalkeeper Seaman need not worry about his part in the defeat against Brazil yesterday.

Seaman was left gutted after letting in the second Brazil goal to a free-kick by Ronaldinho in the World Cup quarter-final.

But Mr Bedell said today: "We lost the football. But there are real tragedies. We need God's grace to help us love our neighbour. Let's pray for it."

He added: "Gutted we were, gutted.

"One-nil seemed incredible enough, and then, well, should Beckham have stayed in for the challenge, should Campbell have gone with the mass rather than watching the ball? The rest is history.

"Gutted we were - but not half as gutted as David Seaman. How many games has he played for England? How many fine match-saving saves? And his last World Cup too.

"None will remember the poor game many English players had - they won't remember his excellent standing up against Ronaldo in the first half.

"Most people, when they look back at the game, will just remember that four seconds of the free-kick."

But he says despite the nation going into mourning after being kicked out of the World Cup, everyone should remain realistic.

Mr Bedell said: "Twelve million people are on the verge of starving to death in Southern Africa - 25 times the population of the whole of East Lancashire.

"OK, we don't know how to share their agony. But let's not forget it.

"Don't get me wrong. Writing about their suffering doesn't mean we aren't suffering. But there is pain abroad too. What can we do? Two things, perhaps.

"One - let's read the stories and watch the pictures of Southern Africa. Let's give those families five minutes, ten minutes of our time.

"Two - community here, let's build community. Reach out to the stranger as well as to your friend. Our towns need community."