A YOUNG Rovers fan from London will be able to see his heroes play Newcastle after all, thanks to kind-hearted Lancashire Evening Telegraph readers.

Christian Rodwell, 16, had given up hope of getting a couple of tickets for himself and his mum for the big match at Ewood on Easter Monday.

But he struck lucky following an appeal in the Evening Telegraph which saw more than 30 fans offer help in a matter of hours.

One Rovers supporter managed to get hold of two tickets for the 30,000 plus sell-out match, after phoning Blackburn Rovers on the off-chance. The kind-hearted season ticket holder, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "After seeing the piece in the paper, I phoned Rovers asking if they had any tickets left. At first the staff told me it was a total sell out. But fortunately two £14 tickets for the Darwen End had just been sent back."

Rovers fanatic Christian, who travels from London with his mum to most home games during the school holidays, booked into Rose Cottage, Longsight Road, back in January in anticipation of the big match.

But his search for a couple of tickets hit a brick wall after they went on restricted sale to holders of home game stubs.

Marj Adderley at Rose Cottage, said: "Christian was terribly disappointed when he thought he would have to miss out.

"I'm very grateful to the kind people who phoned me offering to help."

She added: "I am so amazed that out of over 30 calls, we only got one caller wanting to make a profit."

Speaking from his London home, an excited Christian said: "I'd like to thank everyone who helped. I'm so pleased."

And his big match prediction?

"If Shearer plays we will give them a very tough game."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.