KICK OFF! the ball is set to start rolling on an amazing national football museum in Preston thanks to a lottery handout of nearly £8 million.

Delighted Preston North End Chairman Bryan Gray announced that Heritage Lottery Fund bosses had decided to pitch in making the ambitious £12 million project a reality.

The museum - which will include the extensive FIFA collection of football memorabilia - will be in the Tom Finney Stand and part of the new North Stand.

Mr Gray said he had realised a dream he and others had worked for since heating giants Baxi took over the club in 1994: "I'm absolutely delighted. There have been many obstacles in the way and many said it couldn't be done."

Plans are in place for the unique museum which will be a source of entertainment, interest and education for people worldwide - but Mr Gray said it was appropriate to have it in Preston.

He explained: "Preston were one of the 12 founder members of the football league and one of the first matches ever played was at Deepdale in 1888. It's going to be really special that where football was born there'll be a shrine to the sport."

The plans have received the support of FIFA, The Football Association, The Football League, Professional Footballer's Association and even Prince Charles who stopped off at Deepdale on his recent visit to Preston.

The rest of the money for the museum - which will bring around 100 extra jobs to Preston - has come from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget, Baxi and other local firms.

It is hoped the Football Museum will open it's doors to the public in autumn 1999.

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