A WELL-known Pastor from Cirencester is making last minute preparations for his pilgrimage to the World Cup in Russia.

Bob Morris, Cirencester Baptist Church Youth and Children's Pastor, is leaving on Friday with his 26 year-old son to watch five games at the World Cup.

The 46 year-old football and travel fan is no stranger to big tournaments, having been at the last four World Cups in Brazil, South Africa, Germany and France.

"This will be my fifth World Cup," he explained. "All three of my sons have been with me. This time I'll be with my eldest son. We love to travel and we love football."

They will stay for one week, and will then return home. However, the adventure does not end there and Bob will return to Russia in July as he has coveted semi-final tickets.

"I am not seeing England at all, unless they make it to the semi-final. I don't want to watch them. It is too painful," he joked. "Our stand-out game will be Mexico against Germany in Moscow.

"I really like the different cultures and the atmosphere of the World Cup. It is a whole world event."

He is not concerned about safety about the event. "I don't feel worried although everyone tells me that I should be. I've been to Moscow before and travelled a lot in Eastern Europe. I think it is a lot of hype. You just have to be sensible and look after yourself."

Bob, whose home team is Nottingham Forest, will be known to many young people in Cirencester through his work in local schools and through the Thursday night youth club, Fusion.

"I work mainly with young people so being able to relate to them through my interest in football is really useful," he explained.

His team tip to pick up the trophy is either France or Germany. "If I had money it would go on one of those teams," he said.

* See this week's Thought For the Week by Bob Morris in the Wilts and Glos Standard.