ONE of Blackburn Rovers’ biggest fans had ‘the best day of her life’ after she represented her favourite club in the East Lancashire derby on Saturday.

Erin Ford, eight, from Chorley, was the Blackburn Rovers mascot for the Burnley FC clash after winning a competition to get pitch-side with her dream club.

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The true spirit of the game was shown after thousands of fans from both sides cheered her onto the pitch.

The St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School pupil, who has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, met Clarets mascot Bertie Bee and also visited behind the scenes at Turf Moor.

Erin then held defender Grant Hanley’s hand as she led out the team onto the ground in Harry Potts Way.

Dozens of positive comments were received on Facebook about the welcoming atmosphere around the ground as the youngster appeared on the pitch.

Despite Rovers losing 1-0, her father, Iain, 39, said his daughter had a brilliant day and she didn’t stop smiling from start to finish.

The Trinity CE Primary School teacher in Chorley said: “Erin said she had the best day of her life on Saturday.

“I saw the competition to become Rovers’ mascot and all I had to do was submit her age and name and I got a call back a few days later.

“She was completely over-the-moon and didn’t stop talking about it.

“Erin told her teachers at school that she was going on Saturday and she’s going to let everyone know how she got on when she’s next in.

“I’m so happy for her.

“On the way to the match she said she was going to wind up the Burnley players, that’s the type of girl she is, she’s very mischievous.

“She’s always been a Rovers fan, she’s had her season ticket for two years now and goes to every home game.”

Erin’s condition affects her ability to control her arms and she is reliant on her wheelchair.

On Facebook, Dave Wearden said: “These pictures probably represent 99 per cent of what Burnley v Blackburn is about.”

Maddox King added: “This is what football is about.”