JACK Walker's dream was to see crowds milling around Ewood Park -- so the man of the people would have been delighted that scores of fans turned up on one of the ground's "days off."

The open days have always been popular but this latest event had a special poignancy in view of Mr Walker's death ... and it attracted even more people than usual.

The club had decided to go ahead with the open day after considering it was what Mr Walker would have wanted.

The gates were thrown open at 9.30am yesterday and fans, young and old alike, crowded in to enjoy the most fun you could have at a football ground when there's no game!

The open day was packed with all kinds of fun and entertainment including a full scale training session featuring the Rovers team and a chance to meet the players afterwards.

Roar the Rovers mascot was there and the first team coach was parked up for fans to climb aboard.

There were also ground tours, balloon modelling, face painting, the Rock FM Thundertruck and many more attractions.

Blackburn brothers Edward and Raymond Frankland, both in their 70s, have followed Rovers for as long as they can remember.

Edward, 75, of Hertford Street, has not been well enough to go to Ewood Park since the new stadium was developed but yesterday his younger brother Raymond, 71, of Stansfeld Street, decided to take him to the open day as a surprise. Edward had played at Ewood as a schoolboy about 60 years ago and both brothers can remember going to the ground every other week with their father to support the blues. Raymond still has a season ticket and is one of the faithful cheering the side on from the Jack Walker stand.

"There have been bad times, of course, but I like to remember the good times and since Jack Walker came into our lives here at Ewood there have been many.

"He was a genuine man and I think he would have been pleased to see everyone enjoying his ground and his team here today."

Not everyone at Ewood Park yesterday however had been following Rovers for as long as the Franklands but they still have their memories.

Young fans Jason Daly and Liam Regan are both keen Rovers supporters and travelled from Accrington with their pal Shane Wyer who follows both Rovers like his mates and the Clarets like his dad!

Jason,11, of Chapel Street, remembers when the team brought the Premiership trophy home. He said: "It was great to see the trophy here and the atmosphere was better than at the games!

Autograph hunter Liam, also 11, of Ascot Way, was determined to fill up his autograph book with as many Rovers names as he could, and with a full squad training on the pitch in front of him he took full advantage.

Shane, 10, of Washington Street, has torn loyalties but has been to more Rovers games and didn't miss the chance to enjoy another day inside the ground.

But for some, the trip to Ewood Park was a new experience which may just develop into a lifelong dedication as the next generation of Rovers supporters emerges.

Little Jordan Shorrock, just five, was thrilled with his first visit to Ewood Park.

He and his big sister Jade, who will be nine tomorrow, and their friend and neighbour Hayley Gaul, seven, all of Nicholas Street, Darwen, celebrated in fine style by having their faces painted.

Hayley's dad Brian, said: "They are too young to understand the game really but they still love to come to the ground,

"They know a little bit about Mr Walker and as they get older I'm sure other parents like me will tell them all about what he did for the club." OUR HEROES: Alex Smith, ten, from Oswaldtwistle, gets his shirt signed by striker Matt Jansen, and SKIPPER Gary Flitcroft signs for the young fans SIGN, PLEASE: Natalie Hutchinson, nine, waves her autograph book, and so do pals (from left) Jason Daly, Shane Wyer and Liam Regan