SPORTS fan Alan Haworth met one of his heroes on the day a surprise party was held to celebrate his retirement.

Former England international and Rovers star Ronnie Clayton presented the council health and safety officer with a cake on his big day.

Alan, who worked for Blackburn Council for 18 years, was not told about the celebration bash at Ewood Park.

He said: "News usually travels quickly in the town hall but I had no idea that this was going to happen.

"I have been a Rovers fan since a boy and this was a brilliant day. I thought I was going to Ewood to buy a scarf!"

Alan, 64, of Beresford Road, Blackburn, trained as an engineer before getting involved in health and safety.

He looked after the welfare of town hall staff and protected the council from damages cases. He is still involved with the regional health and safety group.

His proudest achievement was winning a British Safety Council award for the Youth Training programme, ten years in succession.

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