ACCRINGTON Stanley are offering older supporters 'a season ticket for life' to reward them for their support.

Those over-65 are being offered the chance to watch the all the club's home games for the next 20 years for the price of five seasons tickets.

The club said it was acting on requests from 'a number of supporters', and said over-65s can now buy tickets that will last until 2036.

Yesterday the move was overwhelmingly supported by people in the town, although some questioned whether pensioners would struggle to find the £1,000 price tag.

It comes after the Reds came in for criticism from their own fans and the wider football world earlier this year for their decision to sell tickets for a fictional FA Cup match with Manchester United.

Stanley sold a limited number of tickets for ‘The Game That Never Was’ netting £5,000 for the club.

Chairman Peter Marsden said the latest scheme had been well received.

He said: "This particular initiative was one actually suggested to me by some of our more vintage supporters and I think it is a great idea."

The tickets for games at the Store First Stadium cost £1,000, which is the same as five season tickets.

Mr Marsden said: "Not only do our golden oldies, who have earned their stripes, get a chance to buy a season ticket for the next 20 years at a favourable price, but it gives the club a little more cash during the close season."

The ‘Super 60s’ scheme also offers the chance to take a guest to five games a season.

Long-standing supporter, Stephen Lowe said the scheme was an example of the 'innovative' marketing used by the club.

He said: "It's a brilliant way of rewarding some of Stanley's most loyal fans and giving the club a boost this summer.

"I'm sure many of the older fans will see it as a badge of honour to have one of the special tickets."

Stephen Davis, 42, has volunteered for years at the club, and used to help with the kit and assisted with draw tickets and the half-time draw.

He said: "This is typical of how Stanley treat their loyal fans.

"I think it's great that over-65s can look forward to football for years to come.

"Let's hope the team start rising through the league to reward them as well."