A CLARET mad pub has pinned its colours to mast -- by commissioning a new pub sign in honour of their town's team.

Richard Swann and Diane Woods took up the tenancy of the Rose and Crown in Manchester Road in Burnley five months ago. Now to show the pub's allegiance to the team they have had the pub sign renovated.

Diane said: "The one that was there was a bit ratty and needed a revamp so we decided to incorporate the football colours into it."

Now the roses have been painted claret and blue and the crown sits on top of a football. They are members of the Claret and Blue Bond -- a prize draw run by the football club which gives out cash prizes to members every week.

Diane, 34, said: "When we came here there were only three members, the licensees and one regular. In four months we turned it around and now there are 36 members of the bond. who pay £1 a week.

"As a result we have been given a free season ticket and we won the agents of the months award and will both be going to the end of season dinner tonight."

About 40 football supporters meet in the pub before every home game and Richard, 33, and Diane leave the bar staff in charge and walk with them into town to go on the Turf. The couple have two children Bethany, five, and Lewis, four, who have also been to see the Clarets play.

Diane worked in the Old Red Lion in Burnley town centre for 11 years before taking up the tenancy and Richard has worked in various Burnley pubs for the past eight years.

She said: "In the town it is just not possible to get to know your customers because you are so busy." And Richard added: "This place is more intimate. It is nice to be a part of a community.

"We would never dream of changing the pub's name, we just wanted to let everyone know we are big Clarets supporters." and if they are like-minded they are welcome here -- they are also welcome if they are not into football!

"We are a sports orientated pub in here and I don't know what we are going to do after the sports season finishes -- maybe try table football?"