A Clarets fanatic is facing a new look thanks to the colourful imaginations of young supporters.

John Withington, 37, is renowned for showing his true colours at Turf Moor as he paints his face claret and blue.

But when inspiration began to run dry he got involved with Clarets Creative, the club’s Heritage Lottery Fund backed supporters initiative, to provide some fresh ideas.

And now three winners, who came up with various designs incorporating stripes, spots and patches, have been chosen.

John, of Rome Avenue, said: “It seemed like a match made in heaven.

"Here was a community project encouraging Clarets fans to express their support creatively.

“And all I wanted to do was to get those same supporters to come up with some new designs for my face. So we teamed up and created a competition.”

Katey Chipps and Lillie May Townley, both from Burnley, triumphed in the five years and under and six to nine years categories respectively.

Aidan Stephenson, of Colne, won out in the 10 years and over section.

John’s reputation is such that he has been adopted by as a mascot by the Aussie Clarets supporters club.

He is planning to sport each of the winning designs in turn when the season resumes next month.

Project leader Janet Swan said: “We want to know why Burnley FC is so important to the local people.

“We have been recording stories, encouraging people to write on beer mats, running classes to bring out creativity and now using this competition to find out what motivates local fans to follow this great team of ours.”