LANCASHIRE Evening Telegraph Pride of East Lancashire winner, Mark Brown, was hailed a hero again by Blackburn Rovers fans.

Mr Brown was the winner of the Grass Roots category in our campaign to thank unsung heroes in the community - an award sponsored by Rovers. He took the top spot because of his grit and determination after losing an arm in an accident in 1992.

The 41-year-old British Able Bodied half-marathon champion was guest of honour at Ewood Park as Rovers took on Aston Villa on Saturday.

Among the sporting honours he has achieved since then are bronze and silver medals in the last two Paralympics and a gold medal in this year's European Disabled Championships.

Mark, of Parkinson Street, Foulridge, said: "I had a really good day. It was great apart from the result. ."

Mark received his award for the first time at our glittering awards gala dinner at King George's Hall, Blackburn, on November 22.

John Williams, chief executive of Blackburn Rovers presented him with his award for a second time in front of the fans and said: "Being part of the awards was absolutely in line with our role in the community. It's not all about professional sport.

"Mark's achievements are quite staggering. It's very humbling to see someone like him achieve everything he has achieved in the sport. He's a role model for all young men and women to aspire to."