WHAT is it that drives a football club's fortune?

While most people would say money or management, one Blackburn pensioner believes that the fortunes of his beloved home town club are all down to a lucky teddy bear.

Harold Ashworth, 74, of Showley Court, Salesbury, a lifelong dedicated fan of Rovers, believes that his lucky mascot is the reason the team escaped relegation this year.

Harold, has followed the rise and fall of Rovers since 1938, but since receiving the bear as a gift from his brother-in-law six years ago, has become convinced that 'Teddy' has brought him extra luck.

Such is his conviction that his bear acts as some sort of talisman, that when the Rovers began to struggle this season, Harold appointed him as their unofficial mascot.

Retired chartered engineer Harold said: "As I always wear a Rovers tie when I go out, I had the idea of putting it on Teddy too.

"Graeme Souness might think that it's his influence as manager, but I know that it's down to my bear.

"I'm not normally the type of man to be superstitious, in fact my brother-in-law was worried I'd think his present silly!"

On the very night he received the gift in 1998, Harold won £10 on the lottery, the first time he had won anything.

This was followed by two more wins soon afterwards, and in total he has had 20 minor wins in the last six years.

The bear has also been the Ashworths' constant companion ever since, going with them on their frequent trips abroad, including to Europe and the Caribbean.

Harold added: "Of course I don't think that Teddy has any mystical powers, but he does seem to bring a lot of luck.

"To me he is like a symbol of the constant loyalty and support of the Blackburn fans over the years.

"I can't imagine life without Teddy now.

"He represents a bit of light-hearted fun, really, something there's very little of in the these days."

The Ashworths are also looking forward to a cruise on the QE2 to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary later this year, and naturally Teddy will be accompanying them.

"He's just crazy about this bear!" said Harold's wife, Edna, 75.

"People sometimes ask me who comes first - me or Teddy!"

Blackburn Rovers official mascot Roar the Lion, said: "What bear-faced cheek! It looks like someone is after my job."