THE England-Scotland showdown created a fever-pitch atmosphere across East Lancashire as fans from both sides of the border got together to support their teams.

Supporters gathered in pubs and clubs when England and Scotland kicked off the first leg of their European Championship qualifier at Hampden Park.

Scotsman Alec Kilpatrick of the Mill Gap Hotel in Darwen welcomed fans from both sides into his pub for the Battle of Britain clash.

He said: "The pub was absolutely packed and our takings were higher than they would be at Christmas and New Year. We've got a big screen and three televisions so all the rooms were covered. We had free potato pie and there was a brilliant atmosphere. There were about five English fans to every Scottish fan but everyone knows each other and they had a great time. I had to go to the brewers first thing in the morning as I'd run out of lager."

Both English and Scottish fans also went along to enjoy the match at the Railway Hotel, Railway Road, Darwen, run by Chas Lloyd and his daughter Joanna.

Chas said: "There was a good atmosphere and it was a fantastic day. We've got a big screen and a television and the fans were great. They drank the bar dry and the Scottish fans took the result really well. In the evening two singers, Scotsman Jamie Mack and Englishman Kevin B, joined in the fun and sang rock and roll classics from the '60s and '70s."

Husband and wife team David and Pat Dewhurst, of The Roebuck Inn, Deardengate, Haslingden, also had a crowd of supporters in to watch the big game.

David said: "It was a good day and everybody enjoyed it. We've got a big screen and two televisions and there was a great atmosphere between both sets of fans."

There was friendly rivalry between two butchers on Blackburn's three-day market.

Mike Tighe transformed his stall, Whittaker's Butchers, which was decked out in England flags and bunting, and he even had his face painted red and white, along with colleague Lee Prendergast. His wife Christine, daughter Claire, and mother-in-law Brenda also joined in the fun.

Mike said: "We were working during the match, but we kept smiling throughout. Lots of the customers were laughing at my face paint, but I kept it on all day."

Sheila Warburton, of Aspen Fold, Oswaldtwistle, was out shopping with her daughters Debbie, 32, and Andrea, 28. She said: "I think the face paint is brilliant and the stall looks great."

Just nearby, Ken Macleod who owns the Scottish Meat Market, displayed loyalty to his team by decorating his stall with blue, white and tartan banners. His wife Renee and daughter Deborah were also backing the Scotsmen.

Ken said: "We've had lots of comments from customers, but I was too shy to wear face paint as well. It was just a bit of fun as you don't get many big matches like this."

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