BURNLEY Football Club have been congratulated by Sports Minister Kate Howey for introducing a children's cheap season ticket.

She said its £35 pass is one of the innovative ways of attracting youngsters the government wants to encourage.

The issue was raised in the Commons this week by Burnley MP Peter Pike, who said the football taskforce report "recognised serious concerns about ticket pricing at some clubs and about the price of replica shirts supplied by some football clubs."

Mr Pike, a keen Clarets fan, continued: "Those are issues of great importance. Will you recognise the important step that has been taken by Burnley Football Club, which, newly promoted to the First Division has introduced a children's ticket to all parts of the ground for £35 for next season?

"Should not all premier clubs ensure that they issue concessionary tickets to all children?"

Mrs Howey replied: "I congratulate Burnley. Indeed, a number of clubs have introduced quite innovative methods to ensure that children and families are attracted to football."