BLACKBURN Rovers have announced an early Christmas present for fans by reducing ticket prices for its last Premiership game of 2006 at Ewood Park against Middlesbrough on Saturday December 30.

Both sets of supporters will be charged just £15 anywhere in the stadium.

The announcement follows the success of a similar initiative against Bolton, which added an extra 10,000 to the gate.

Senior citizens and children will be charged only £5 for the match.

It is the latest part of Rovers' strategy to tackle head-on the issues concerning attendances.

Blackburn also recognise that season ticket holders are the lifeblood of the club and a spokesman says they will also get rewards.

Season ticket holders will be offered an exclusive discount on tickets for Rovers' last 32 home leg clash in the UEFA Cup against Bayer Leverkusen.

Blackburn chairman John Williams said: "The festive period is a time when family and friends get together and we hope the low prices will encourage supporters of both clubs to come to the match.

"Clearly when there is both strong home and away support the atmosphere can be electric, however our focus will always be first and foremost our home support.

"We are serious about tackling the issues of attendances, and pricing is one of the ways we are testing the water without damaging the club's finances or undermining the contribution of season ticket holders."

The reduced prices for the Middlesbrough game is just one of several initiatives introduced by the club, including great value Half Season Tickets, The Card loyalty scheme and cheap tickets for schools.