SOLDIERS who serve their country in war-torn Afghanistan can now follow their beloved Clarets for free.

Clarets chiefs are giving away around 50 tickets per game to thank members of the Army, Navy and RAF.

And directors at Burnley FC have been applauded by the organisation behind the drive, Tickets for Troops, after becoming one of the first league outfits to sign up to the initiative.

Just over a week ago chairman Barry Kilby welcomed soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment to Harry Potts Way.

Seven supporters, Danny Fort, Aaron Mason, Joseph Gribble, Barry Quinn, Alex Dean, Liam Wilkinson and Gary Davis, had requested kits to train in while they were in Helmand Province.

And the troops not only got their shirts but were special guests at the recent Reading game.

Burnley FC’s director of commercial affairs Anthony Fairclough said: “Everyone is well aware of the amazing job our soldiers are performing in Afghanistan and we should all do all we can to support them.”

For the latest scheme Burnley supporters, in the armed forces, wherever they live in East Lancashire or beyond, must register first with the Tickets for Troops organisers.

Once enrolled, they can then request admission for any upcoming Championship or cup clash for the rest of the season.

The charity was established last year to provide members of the armed forces with free tickets for major sporting and entertainment events.