FANS of Blackburn Rovers can join their footballing heroes and become part of the history of the club - quite literally.

As part of the Walkerfame initiative, Rovers fans can buy a personalised brick inscribed with their own message and have it laid at the back of the Blackburn End under the watchful gaze of the Jack Walker statue.

And local lads and players David Dunn and Matt Derbyshire have been quick to add their messages to the new addition to Ewood Park.

They yesterday explained their motives for getting involved.

Midfeild star Dunn, who hails from Great Harwood, chose the words 'When you are going through hell, keep going', to be the inscription he wants laid outside Ewood.

And England U21 striker Derbyshire, who comes from the same town as Dunn and has made a name for himself up front over the last 12 months, has had 'The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams', etched on the brickwork.

Dunn explained that his message was informed by his difficulties at Birmingham City and his subsequent rejuvination back at Rovers - the club he has supported all his life.

He said: "I've had a mixture of highs and lows during my career and I wanted the brick to reflect that.

"They say that home is where the heart is and I'm really enjoying being back at Ewood, if I wasn't playing football here I'd be in the stands so this is a real honour."

And Debyshire spoke of his desire to be central to the club's future.

He said: "As a life long Rover it is a dream come true to be part of the first team, I have to pinch myself sometimes to remind me it is real.

"I am proud that I now have a permanent place at Ewood, the next step for me is to be establish myself in the starting 11."

Simon Williams, head of marketing at the Premier League club, said the scheme had proved a real hit with fans and said that any brick ordered today (Wednesday) could be in place for Christmas.

"We have fantastic supporters at Rovers and there was no bigger supporter of the club than Jack Walker so it is a fitting tribute that his memorial will be looking over messages from fellow fans," he added.

A single brick with black lettering costs £39.99, while a double stone is £69.99. Gold lettering is also available at a cost of £49.99 for a single brick and £79.99 for a double.