CAPTAIN Martin Dobson led out the championship team of 1973 at a special 30th anniversary dinner at Turf Moor on Saturday.

Most of the Burnley team that last won promotion to England's top division were guests of honour at the event, organised by Ex-Clarets in Sport.

Dave Thomas travelled from Portsmouth and Ray Hankin made the journey from his home in Northumberland, while other special guests included England Women's goalkeeper Rachel Brown, gymnast and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Craig Heap, Accrington Stanley chairman Eric Whalley and his wife Tess and Emmerdale actor Richard Moore.

Dobson said he was delighted to see some of his former team-mates.

"It was great to see all the players and, as a team that got on so well together, we were right back into it when we met up, having the same old craic," he said.

"The camaraderie is still there and it was great to catch up and talk about games and what they are all doing at the moment."

He added: "We wouldn't normally see each other in that kind of environment if a reunion hadn't been organised.

"So as the ex captain, I would like to thank the Ex-Clarets in Sport for considering putting the reunion on for us. A lot of work had obviously gone into it and it was very much appreciated by everyone.

"It was well organised, the food was excellent and the service was excellent. It couldn't have been a better night."

Veronica Simpson, secretary of Ex-Clarets in Sport, said: "It was an excellent night.

"The length that some of the players went to in order to get to the reunion was the epitome of the team spirit. It's still there after 30 years."