A CLITHEROE FC fan has been displaying his club’s colours with pride while serving in Afghanistan.

Blues-mad Simon Barker, who is captain of the 28 squadron of 10 Queen’s Own Ghurka Logistic Regiment, has been showing his support for his home town side while on duty in Camp Bastion.

And the club is now helping armed forces back home keep up their morale by offering free admission to its games to all military personnel.

Club chairman Carl Garner and vice-chairman Anne Barker made the gesture after receiving the latest despatch from Simon, Anne’s son.

The 26-year-old asked them to send him anything Clitheroe FC-related, so he and his friends could fly the flag for the Unibond League First Division North team while on tour.

Mr Garner said: “For us the situation is a bit more close to home because of Anne’s family connections.

"Simon came and watched our game against Trafford before Christmas, the day before he flew out.

“He’s been a steward for us before and done bits and pieces voluntarily to help the club.

“All our thoughts are with him and his friends, and we hope things go well for them.”

Simon’s mum was previously secretary of Clitheroe Wolves Junior Football Club.

She is currently chairman of the Accrington and District Youth League and on the Lancashire Football Association committee.

Her husband, Bill Barker, who is also on Clitheroe FC’s committee, said supporting the side was very much a ‘family affair’.

Simon’s dad said: “We got involved with Clitheroe four years ago when they nearly went out of existence.

“Non-league clubs like this need voluntary support to survive.

“This year we proposed that under 14-year-olds can watch us for free and now we’ve decided to do the same with servicemen and women.

"You see Soccer AM on Sky with all these soldiers in Afghanistan with their club’s flag or shirt, so we just wanted a bit of publicity for Clitheroe.

"Hopefully they will have Simon on next!”