SOCCER-mania came to Pendle and Burnley as England prepared to play Germany in the semi-final of Euro 96 last night (Wednesday).

Pubs with big-screen TVs were packed and streets were deserted as thousands settled down to watch the big macth.

The championships have brought about a massive rise in sales of England shirts - both the traditional white kit and the controversial new grey away strip.

Joanna Ridehalgh, assistant manager at Gibson Sports in Burnley, told the Citizen: "We've sold out of the away kit - I think we must have sold about 30 over the last couple of weeks.

"It's very good for us, considering all the talk about the colour. People were very excited."

Dick Fox of Colne's Fox Sport said: "The white strip has been selling very well, but we didn't order as many of the grey one, although they have both been selling well.

"There was a lot of fuss when Manchester United ditched their grey strip becasue the players couldn't see each other, but I don't think England have that problem at Wembley."

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