EX-Burnley soccer stars Willie Irvine and Ian Brennan made it a claret and blue night at a local pub - and helped boost funds for a wheelchair-bound Burnley boy.

They officially opened the Clarets Room at the General Havelock as regulars packed in to support David Crossley, 11.

The youngster suffered serious head injuries when a gravestone toppled on him as he collected conkers in Burnley cemetery last year.

It was all the idea of the Accrington Road pub landlord, Michael Emsley, a Clarets' supporter for 50 years. He has decorated the re-vamped pool room with Burnley FC photographs dating back to the cup-winning 1913/14 season.

Said Michael: "Young David and his family are having a very difficult time and I thought it would be good to link the room opening with a raffle to help make life a little easier for him.

"We raised around £160 and there will be more to come from our bonfire night party," he added.

Help also came from Burnley's Irish Democratic League Club which gave £50 and a bottle for the raffle. Soccer fan David was unable to attend - he is in hospital recovering from a virus infection - but mum, Jean and the rest of the family were at the event.

"It was a brilliant night and we are grateful for all the support we received," added Michael.

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