CLITHEROE'S Wembley heroes will be feted by Premiership champions Blackburn Rovers at next Wednesday's Ewood game against Wimbledon.

Rovers chairman Robert Coar has sent a special invitation to his Clitheroe counterpart Steve Rush and the Shawbridge squad and officials to mark the non-League club's feat in reaching the final of the FA Vase.

And a surprised but delighted Mr Rush said: "It came right out of the blue.

"Robert Coar phoned me and invited a party from the club to the Wimbledon game.

"They had already sent us a good luck message before the semi-final but this is a marvellous gesture."

Mr Coar said: "We were delighted to see Clitheroe bring more honour to the area's football traditions.

"It's a tremendous achievement on their behalf to reach a Wembley final for the first time in their history and we felt it deserved recognition.

"So we have asked them to be our guests at the game and I am sure all our fans will give them a great welcome."

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