A LIGHT-hearted tradition for Blackburn Rovers fans dating back more than 60 years will be resurrected later this month after fears it could be cancelled.

Since 1948, whenever Rovers have been relegated a coffin procession and burial has been carried out in nearby Bamber Bridge.

A similar ritual occurs upon promotion when the coffin is resurrected.

Fans of Preston North End also carry out the ritual, but due to public order issues at the Preston burial after last year’s relegation, police and licensees could not agree on a way to make the procession take place safely following Rovers dropping out of the Premier League.

However, a group of Rovers fans has arranged for the custom to be carried out in Blackburn on Sunday, July 22, from 1.30pm.

One of the organisers for Rovers fansite BRFCS.co.uk Dawn Furnell said: “BRFCS members were unhappy that a tradition dating back to 1948 should disappear entirely, particularly in the current climate where so many of our other club traditions seem to be being systematically removed.

“Therefore, our Premier League coffin will be carried in a procession from the Fox and Hounds pub to The Aqueduct pub. Once at The Aqueduct, a humorous speech will be made and then we can all drink to happy memories and hopes for the future.

“Our hope is that this day will provide a much-needed opportunity for a bit of camaraderie and good old northern humour among fellow Rovers fans in these bleak times. There will also be some charity collection tins for those in a generous mood.”

Organisers have stressed this is not a protest and is in no way linked to the ongoing protests at Ewood.