UNCLE Jack Walker summed up a night of pride and passion to honour his beloved Blackburn Rovers by declaring: "I have never had an evening which meant so much to me."

The club's achievement in winning the league championship for the first time in 81 years was recognised by Blackburn Borough Council at a civic reception. Players, officials and supporters of the club joined the town's dignitaries and football guests at a celebration dinner at King George's Hall.

The civic medal was presented to the club - only the seventh time the award has been made in four decades.

And it was only the second time the medal had been presented to an organisation.

The emphasis was on the town's progress - both in sporting and economic terms.

But the underlying message was one of thanks to Jack Walker for the incredible generosity which had made Rovers' success possible.

Mayor Maureen Bateson paid tribute to Mr Walker - but also to the club's backroom staff and the support of the people of the town.

Mr Walker added: "Everybody has been very enthusiastic in what they have said about Rovers and Blackburn.

"I enjoyed the general atmosphere and it is so nice that everybody is pro-Blackburn Rovers.

"And the town is progressing very well in industrial terms."

Speeches were made by FA chairman Sir Bert Millichip, Rovers chairman, Rob Coar, council leader Malcolm Doherty and Rovers director Richard Matthewman.

Mr Coar said: "The Rovers have had a long and somewhat chequered history but the dinner was to mark more recent events.

"The invisible benefits to the town of Blackburn cannot be quantified but they are huge.

"One person is largely responsible and we all know who that is - Jack Walker."

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