Manchester United Football Club's chaplain has been selected to head a team of religious volunteers for this summer's Commonwealth Games.

The Reverend John Boyers will take time out from his duties at the football club to become the sporting event's Head of Chaplaincy.

He will be based in the Athletes Village, leading a team of volunteers to cater for the religious, spiritual and pastoral needs of 5,000 athletes and officials.

Mr Boyers said: "It is an honour to have the opportunity to organise the chaplaincy provision for the competitors, volunteers and visitors for what will be a marvellous event in Manchester this summer."

The Games, which take place from July 25 to August 4, will see athletes from 72 nations competing in 17 events.

Mr Boyers, who has been the Chaplain to Manchester United since 1992, is the National Director of SCORE, a UK-wide registered charity specialising in sports chaplaincy.

He was also the Official Chaplain to the Commonwealth Games in both 1990 and 1994. Frances Done, chief executive of M2002 Ltd, said: "John Boyers will play a key role in the success of the Games Village which will be the home away from home for thousands of international visitors this summer.

"He has all the qualities and experience to lead a multi-faith team that will welcome visitors from all religious backgrounds to Manchester."