FOOTBALL fans in East Lancashire had all day to drown their sorrows after Brazil dumped England out of the World Cup this morning.

Supporters set their alarms for the 7.30 kick-off and gathered in pubs and workplaces for the crunch match.

There were scenes of joy when Michael Owen put England in front in the first half - but after the South Americans came back to win, the elation turned to depression.

Nearly 300 workers at Ultraframe in Clitheroe gathered in the canteen to watch the crucial game -- and bosses laid on free bacon and sausage butties.

Manufacturing manager Darren Howarth, of Whitehall, Darwen, said: "There was a cracking atmosphere, getting everyone together to watch the match has done a lot for morale on the shop floor."

Children at Blackburn Royal Infirmary forgot about their ailments during the game. They all had their faces painted and sat around televisions on the children's ward in England shirts.

Nurses managed to juggle their many duties while keeping one eye on the televisions.

Daniel Smith, 11, a St Joseph's Primary School, Darwen pupil has just had his appendix out but was cheered up by seeing his hero Michael Owen score.

Davy O'Meara, 12, is a St Christopher's High School pupil, who was feeling miserable until the game as his appendix operation was cancelled last night.

He said: "Its taken my mind off it all but I couldn't cheer as loud as I would like to have done."

Maxine Buckley, staff nurse, said: "It has been nice for the children and it takes their minds off everything."

A packed Pitchers Pub in Blackburn town centre erupted with ecstasy at the first goal after chants of Come on England.

"You just can't describe it" said Stuart Bailey, 37, of Feniscowles. "The tension was just unbelievable!"

Kemson Piper, 19, of Greystoke Avenue, Blackburn, said: "My stomach was in my mouth. I just can't believe the first goal. What a fabulous start!"

A cheeky Ribble Valley parrot that sings Sven Goran Eriksson nearly got the bird when his owner watched the match at a local pub.

But David Wilson left the TV on.

Excitement has been running high at Barrow Post Office since Coco came down with World Cup fever.

He has been turning heads at the Old Row Post Office with his chirpy rendition of "Sven Goran Eriksson" and "Come on England!"

Bosses at the Little Chef at Rising Bridge cooked up an additional treat for their customers when they introduced a television for the World Cup duration.

Debbie Kenrick, 17, supervisor at the Blackburn Road restaurant said: "There were tables of older women in and they nearly screamed the whole place down. Generally the atmosphere has been brilliant."