LIFELONG Rovers superfan Alan ‘Birdy’ Birkbeck has been given the civic banner used to celebrate the club's latest promotion by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The 69-year-old was handed the standard b y the borough's assistant executive member for regeneration and fellow fan, Cllr Jamie Groves, who represents Ewood ward which includes the club's ground.

The banner was produced for the civic event held at One Cathedral Square on May 7 to celebrate the Blackburn Rovers' promotion back to the Championship.

Mr Birkbeck was 'delighted' to receive the banner to add it to his large collection of Rovers’ memorabilia.

He will also display the banner at Rovers matches throughout the upcoming season, both at home at Ewood Park and at away matches.

Cllr Groves said: "I’m delighted to have presented this banner to Birdy as a gift from the Council.

"Not only is Birdy a legendary fan but he also has an amazing collection of Rovers memorabilia and we thought there would be no better home for this banner to go to.

"With a bit of luck and hard work I hope to be here again next year to present another promotion banner!"

Last month Mr Birkbeck reached the landmark milestone of visiting the homes of all 92 current Football League sides.

He completed the achievement by attending the 1-1 draw between Bristol Rovers and Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.

In 2014Mr Birkbeck was honoured at the MBNA Northwest Football Awards at the Emirates Old Trafford as football's 'Unsung Hero of the Year'.