THE dreams of 200 Rovers fans came true when they lined up next to their heroes for a team photo.

Manager Graeme Souness, assistant Tony Parkes and players Craig Short, Henning Berg, Garry Flitcroft, Lucas Neill, Jay McEveley, Paul Gallagher and Jerome Watts, took their place next to the supporters.

Rovers fan and comedian Jim Bowen also turned up, along with ex-players Ronnie Clayton and Kevin Gallacher.

The shoot, yesterday on the Ewood Park turf, is part of Rovers' Hearts and Minds campaign to attract more support, with the picture being used to promote sales of season tickets for 2003-4.

Advertising agency Touch, which is based in the stadium, came up with the idea to show that fans are part of the Rovers 'team'.

Many of supporters were children, starstruck at the thought of standing shoulder to shoulder with their heroes.

The photographer spread the players out among the fans and shot several rolls of film over a half-an-hour period to get the perfect picture.

Afterwards, players took the time to sign autographs.

Carol Shaw, of Starkie Street, Darwen, her son Brayden, six, and his friend Bradley Naylor, also six, chatted to Rovers Australian full-back Lucas Neill.

The youngsters, of Holy Trinity Primary, Darwen, were overwhelmed by their surprise day out.

Carol said: "We kept it a secret until the morning. When we told them they were buzzing. They really enjoyed it. It will be a great picture when it comes out."