THE FA Vase final will be a right royal occasion for the civic dignitaries travelling south to support Clitheroe FC.

Ribble Valley Mayor Dorothy Pearson and her Consort, husband Stanley, and Clitheroe Mayor Stephen Holt and his mayoress Maureen, have been invited to watch the big game from the comfort of Wembley's royal box!

Mrs Pearson said: "We have been invited by the Football Association for lunch in the banqueting suite at Wembley followed by a chance to watch the game from the royal box and then the opportunity to meet the players as they come up for their medals and the trophy."

And the Ribble Valley mayor will be hosting her own "royal" reception when the team, victorious or otherwise, returns to Clitheroe.

She added: "I have arranged a civic reception for the team, whatever the result, on the Monday after the final.

"It will be my last day as Mayor of Ribble Valley and it would be a wonderful way to end my year of office if Clitheroe FC brought the trophy home with them.

"But whatever the result, the team has done the town proud and they will get a super reception when they come home whether they have won or lost."

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