A family who were attending an away match for the first time with their assistance dogs were welcomed to Ewood Park.

During Blackburn Rovers home game against Norwich City, a group of Canaries supporters reached out to the club about allowing two guide dogs into the stadium.

The request came from a Mr Land and his two daughters who have assistance dogs, to help with health conditions.  

Not only offering a warm welcome, club partner and Rover the Dog sponsor, Webbox, even supplied the two dogs, named Jasper and Rex, with a treat box upon their arrival at Ewood Park.

Coincidently, the game against Norwich City was Rovers’ #OneRovers Day and the match to promote Level Playing Field’s Unite for Access campaign.

Level Playing Field is a charity which works to remove the barriers when attending live sporting events, for disabled supporters.

It comes as a Changing Places toilet facility is due to be installed at Ewood Park.

Mr Land and his family said: “We came to Blackburn and had a great time watching Norwich City. 

“We brought our assistance dogs, Jasper the Cocker Spaniel and Rex the Golden Labrador. 

“We want to thank the staff for being so accommodating and supportive towards us and the dogs.

"The only thing we didn't like was the rain but if you look at the pictures you can see Rex didn't mind it. 

“We were very generously given some gift bags for the dogs, including treats and toys and they had a great time posing for some photos. 

“We would like to thank Blackburn Rovers for their understanding and support towards us as service dog users and for making our experience comfortable and enjoyable.

"They made us feel very welcome and were more than accommodating.
 
“We hope this example can be become normal throughout the EFL and once again we want to thank Blackburn for their hospitality towards people with disabilities.”

Blackburn Rovers’ access and inclusion officer, Christina Haines, said: “Blackburn Rovers are committed to helping all supporters enjoy their matchday experience when visiting Ewood Park. 

“We are really pleased to hear Mr Land and his family enjoyed their visit to Blackburn Rovers and they had a day to remember taking their assistance dogs to their first game.”