WHEN it comes to accommodating disabled fans, Blackburn Rovers is top of the league. And that's official.

Ewood has been named the most disabled-friendly ground in the country by the Football Association.

Its manager Mel Highmore will accept the award from Sports Minister Tony Banks at a special ceremony in London next Monday.

The club presented radio headsets to the Blackburn Rovers Disabled Supporters' Association before Saturday's match against Leeds.

The headsets transmit match commentaries to visually impaired and blind supporters.

Facilities for the disabled at Ewood Park include a minicom system for the deaf, a member of staff trained in sign language, wheelchair stations at pitch level and special parking arrangements.

Ten stewards at the club have also received special training to deal with the needs of disabled supporters.

Mr Highmore said Rovers put a "great deal of effort" into meeting the needs of the disabled and club officials were "pleased and proud" to be receiving the award.

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