THERE is one great love in Graham Tanner's life - West Ham Football Club.

Each season the 63-year-old dedicates his free time to following his beloved Hammers around the country.

The season ticket holder makes the 300-mile round trip by train from his home in Stockton Road, Newport, to Upton Park in London for every home match, including those on weekdays.

In the last seven years he has travelled more than 44,000 miles to home matches and also drives to more than half the away matches.

Bachelor Mr Tanner says he worries that a wife would try and stop him devoting so much time to his passion.

For years Mr Tanner loved all sport.

Then, one day, while he was working in the post room at the University of Wales Caerleon campus, a colleague invited him to watch West Ham play.

He suddenly became a one-team man."I don't know why they are so special," he said. "But there is something about West Ham. It is the excitement when they score. You just start hugging other supporters, even though you've never met before."

He doesn't think his commitment is remarkable, saying he sees the same supporters travelling each weekend.

Last season West Ham defeated Preston North End at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, and won promotion to the Premiership. "I'll never forget that day," he said.

His team are now 10th in the Premiership and have reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Mr Tanner feels his faith has been justified.

"People might not understand if they don't love sport," he said. "But for me football is a beautiful thing."