A LIFELONG rugby fan no longer able to attend a match in person received a surprise visit from two of his rugby league heroes.

Former Barrow resident Bernard Docker welcomed Wigan Warriors captain and England star Sean O’Loughlin and former England and Wigan player Kris Radlinski to Aldingham Nursing Home.

The pair paid the 85-year-old a surprise visit ahead of their weekend clash with Barrow Raiders after learning he was one of their' biggest fans.

With the Grand Final champions set to face Barrow Raiders, Jenny Faragher the activities coordinator at Aldingham, saw it as a perfect opportunity for them to meet one of their biggest fans.

Mr Docker has loved the team since a young boy when he then also played for Barrow’s Marsh Hornets as a prop forward.

After speaking to Mr Docker it was clear how much he loved the game, he said: “It’s such a good game to play and it’s really entertaining.

“I knew as soon as they came through the door who it was.

“I’ve lived all my life in Barrow working for the electricity board and I regularly used to go down to see Wigan play, often going with my son-in-law and the kids. Even now I watch them religiously.”

Mr Docker watched this weekend's match and said after the game: "The pitch was really muddy but Wigan should have got more points."

Alongside a signed shirt that the care home staff have now had framed they also provided a link for Mr Docker to watch the game against Barrow Raiders online.

Mrs Faragher said: “Bernard talks about Wigan all the time so I knew how much he would loved to see them.

“We also regularly put the game on for him in the main room when it is on TV.

"It meant a great deal to Bernard that Sean and Kris took the time to come down.

“Literally as soon as they came through the door he knew exactly who they were and he was so surprised.

“I couldn’t fault them one bit, it was so kind for them to come and see him and although he does like his privacy this really made his day.

“Bernard also really likes his photos so we have already laminated those from the day for him to look back on.

“It means a great deal to us to get our residents involved in the community like this."