FOUR Clarets fans have staked a claim to be called East Lancashire's most determined soccer fans following a matchday transport fiasco involving planes, trains and automobiles.

What should have been one of the highlights of the season turned into a battle of wills with Britain's transport system after a bird flew into the engine of their plane at Blackpool airport.

Paul and Damian Hartley, Graham Baldwin and Michael Rafferty, all from Accrington, are lifelong Burnley fans who travel to home and away matches every week.

They had planned "a dream trip" to West Ham on Saturday and booked plane tickets with Ryanair. But their flight was cancelled after being grounded at the airport when an inspection revealed feathers in the engine.

Burnley FC tried to get the men on to a chartered club flight, but failed because of airline regulations.

The four then made a dash to Preston station, where their plans of a train journey to the capital were scuppered by maintenance work causing line closures.

Eventually, Inland Revenue employee Michael Rafferty, 28, of Moss Hall Road, decided he would have to drive the 500-mile round trip to get the group to the match.

They arrived just in time for the kick-off to see the Clarets 2-2 draw at West Ham.

Michael said: "It was meant to be the trip of a lifetime flying down to the game, but it didn't exactly turn out that way. I would have thought birds must fly into planes all the time, and it doesn't inspire you with confidence.

"There were a couple of other Burnley fans there and the club were very good trying to get us on the flight. I think they appreciated that we are all season ticket holders who go every week.

"The important thing was that we made it in the end and we were pleased with the result. That's all that counts."

Do you know a football fan with even more dedication? If so, contact the Lancashire Evening Telegraph newsdesk on 01254 298219.