WEMBLEY fever is sweeping through Clitheroe after the town's football team won their ticket to play in the shadow of the twin towers for the first time.

While their big league neighbours in Blackburn and Burnley won't be gracing the hallowed turf this year, the non-leaguers from the town with the castle are preparing for the biggest game in the club's 119-year history.

Thousands will make the journey to London and along the famous Wembley Way on May 12 for the FA Vase final after the team beat rivals Mangotsfield in an extra-time thriller at Shawbridge.

Proud club chairman Stephen Rush declared it the "biggest day in the town's history".

He said: "We don't know how many people will come down to watch us but I think half the community could well turn out. The club has been going since 1877 and we haven't got to Wembley before and the chances are it won't happen again in our lifetimes, so it is something people won't want to miss."

Now the club faces some busy weeks of preparations.

"There are so many things to arrange such as blazers and accommodation," Stephen said. "When we've all recovered from Saturday night's celebrations we'll have to sit down and sort it all out."

Pub takings certainly enjoyed a boost after the game. "The atmosphere was absolutely electric on the Saturday night," said Peter Hodgkinson, landlord of the Dog and Partridge, just around the corner from the ground. "There were a few drunks around the town but everyone was in good spirits."

"We held a collection in the pub for just an hour on Friday night and raised £100 for the club."

The Mayor of Clitheroe, Stephen Holt, said: "There was an incredible atmosphere at the game and it was great to see so many people wearing shirts from Burnley, Blackburn and Preston North End at the game. It has obviously gripped the whole area.

"It is all people are talking about and should be a great day out for people from the town." Mr Holt, who was at the game with his family, says the knock-on effect for local businesses such as coach hire firms would be very beneficial to the area.

"It will help put Clitheroe on the map," he said. "It isn't so long ago the Queen said she wanted to live round here, so perhaps she'll come along to Wembley herself and watch the game!"

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