FANS from a host of different backgrounds will lead out Ewood's finest as Blackburn Rovers aims to celebrate the ties that unite everyone connected with the club.

For this years ONEROVERS day, club bosses have selected their own diverse team to accompany the players down the tunnel before the derby with Preston North End today (Sat).

Some will be well-known to Rover aficionados, from legend Bryan Douglas to Val Clayton, widow of great Ronnie Clayton, to club president Keith Lee and wife Pat, and chaplain Ken Howles.

Others have long-standing connections to the club, from the old Second Division battles to the glory of becoming Premier League champions in 1995.

Or like Tyler Allen, who will celebrate his ninth birthday as a mascot, it's all about going home and away with dad Paul and grandad Stewart.

Speaking beforehand, the Holy Souls Primary pupil, who will be angling to walk out with Danny Graham, said: "It's going to be a great present."

Trinidad-born John Billouin, from Bamber Bridge, otherwise known as singer John Sands, has classed Rovers as his team since arriving in the UK in the 60s.

He said: "It wouldn't be right to single out just one player but I think Connor Mahoney is one of the brightest prospects we've had for a generation."

And Mustak Patel, 55, from Hoddlesden, who hasn't missed a home game for more than 30 years, is looking forward to walking out on the pitch and getting one over his Preston-supporting cousin Mack.

Canon Andrew Hindley, vice-dean at Blackburn Cathedral, said: "It's a great honour.

"There are two cathedrals around here Blackburn and Ewood Park.

"The owners have been very supportive of the cathedral and we are very happy to be involved."

The players will be wearing Kick It Out t-shirts during the warm-up.

A Blackburn Rovers spokesman said: "Our community comprises many different people and we want our fans to reflect the community.

"The club interacts with many diverse groups through social activities, partnerships and projects undertaken by our community trust."

The players will be wearing Kick It Out t-shirts during the warm-up.