A SURPRISE was in store for Tom Finney when he popped in to a Preston pub.

Sir Tom, recently honoured in the New Years' List, thought he was meeting fans at the Windsor Castle in Egan Street, on Monday (Jan 12).

But when he walked through the door he was cheered by dozens of his old colleagues - greats who played for both Preston and England.

The secret party was organised by pub landlord Mel Phillipson and North End historian Ian Rigby.

Surprised Sir Tom said: "It was so good to see so many of the old lads together."

Among those joining in were Willie Cunningham, Eddy Brown, Les Dagger, Tommy Thompson and Ronnie Clayton.

Ex-England international Bryan Douglas played alongside Sir Tom. He said: "If Tom was playing today he'd be worth at least £25 million. His knighthood should've come 20 years ago." Landlord Mel said: "All the lads wanted to show Tom how brilliant it is to see him knighted."

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