POSTMAN Dave Clark loves his local football team so much he officially changed his name to Swindon Town Dave.

Most fans are content with donning a replica shirt and attending the odd game.

But not Dave or Swindon as he now insists on being called.

The 43-year-old father-of-one from Eldene paid £57 to change his name by deed poll.

And he insists it is worth every penny.

"It does feel a bit weird at the moment," he admitted. "But I don't regret it I did it because I love Swindon Town Football Club."

Swindon, who has not missed a home game for 30 years, believes the name-change is the ultimate sign of allegiance.

"I would say I am now one of the top five Town supporters," he said proudly.

"I went to my first game when I was six-years-old and I've been to most of the big games, including the 4-3 win over Leicester in the 1993 play-offs."

The fanatic first struck on the idea in the early 1990s when Argentinian World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles was manager at the County Ground.

"I got a lot of grief from friends because of the Falklands War," said Swindon. "So I thought I'd leave it alone for a bit.

"Then about three weeks ago as I was finishing my pint at the County Ground Hotel I thought about changing it to Swindon Town Dave."

Swindon took the plunge immediately and visited his employer's lawyers, Simpson and Miller, of Bristol.

Official confirmation of the deed poll came through on Friday.

This is not the first time Swindon has taken bold steps to show his passion for the club either.

Six weeks ago he paid £200 for a giant Swindon Town crest to be tattooed on to his back.

His home bears testimony to his loony obsession too.

"I want to turn it into a shrine," he revealed. "I've already got the bedspread and official Swindon Town lamp.

"The place is in a bit of a state at the moment. I'm off work this week so I'll be getting to work today."

Swindon Town director Bob Holt said the allegiance was extraordinary, adding: "It shows that we have some of the most dedicated supporters in the country."

Kevin Shoesmith