BERMUDA is the land of sun, sea and football, according to an exiled North Ender who has just netted a PNE book over the Internet!

Lifelong North End fan Chris Whittle, 58, agreed to hand more than £150 for a PNE book -- worth no more than £12 -- in a special charity auction.

The cash will go to the Medicine and Chernobyl Charity Appeal which strives to bring groups of children to Lancashire to eat good food and enjoy a healthier environment.

Retired chartered accountant Chris, who left Preston 35 years ago for sunnier climes, also agreed to pay £150 towards the air fare of a youngster from the Ukraine. And the Preston-born sports fan even met his soccer hero Sir Tom Finney on the pitch at Deepdale after flying over to receive his signed book, One Hundred Greatest Post-war Players.

Local singer Tony Slater, who hosts concerts to raise money for the Chernobyl charity, also joined Chris at the ground to watch him receive the book.

Chris, a member of the official PNE Internet supporters' club, said he was delighted to meet the football champ. He said: "Meeting Sir Tom was a dream come true. It was a great pleasure and a privilege.

"I remember coming to see Sir Tom play at Deepdale when I was a young lad. We used to sit in the cinder track behind the goals down at the Kop End.

"It's great to see things coming good for the team these days. My mum lives in Lytham and I often call her on a Saturday afternoon for the score. Although, most times I know it before she does.

"I'm really pleased with the way Deepdale looks these days. The last time I came over the ground was looking a bit run-down but now it looks really great.

"But this book sale is all about the chernobyl children. If I can help to bring over one child and give him or her a chance to enjoy the delights of this country, then it's all been worthwhile."