EVERY primary school child across the city will have the chance to watch Preston North End for free at least once during the season as part of the club's new Day Out at Deepdale campaign.

Under eights can already go to all the matches free, but North End has extended the offer in a bid to recruit more young fans.

The campaign kicked off on Tuesday when PNE manager Billy Davies, the club's chief executive Steve Jackson, and players Paul McKenna and Mark Jackson joined the Deepdale Duck to visit youngsters at Harris County Primary School, Wychnor Road, Preston.

The offer means more than 40,000 children in Preston and the surrounding area will be able to watch the club for free, providing they are accompanied by an adult.

The new scheme has been set up in partnership with the National Football Museum, so children will be able to enjoy a complete day out at the football club, with a visit to the museum in the morning followed by a match in the afternoon.

PNE chief executive Steve Jackson, said: "I go to some of the estates in Preston and see children wearing Man United or Chelsea shirts, and when I ask them if they have ever been to see the club the answer is nearly always 'no'."

"To put it simply, we want the next generation of children growing up in Preston to be PNE fans."

North End's Preston born 18-year-old striker Mark Jackson, who attended St Anthony's Catholic Primary School, St Anthony's Drive, Fulwood, said: "I used to come and watch PNE as a kid and I think it's great that young fans will be able to visit Deepdale for free."

The scheme will apply to all primary schools in the PR1 to PR9 area plus PR25, PR26, LA1 and LA6 areas and each school will be paid a visit by the club.