Mr Eastwood at 102 years of age can probably claim to be the Clarets oldest fan and, despite his age, still remembers moments and past players in the club's long history.

The vintage Claret now lives at Dove Court Nursing Home, Shuttleworth Street, but remarkably lived on his own in Moorland Drive, Brierfield, until recently.

Born at 31 North Street in 1907, Mr Eastwood worked for many years at John Gray's weaving mill in Elm Street before progressing to be a tackler at mills in Nelson.

He said: "One of my favourite players was Bob Kelly who played inside-right in the 1920s. Kelly was the main player in Burnley's first ever league championship in 1921.

"One of the best games I saw was when Burnley beat Huddersfield in a cup game in front of 54,000 fans. I haven't seen any of the current team but I listen to the commentary on my radio. I think Robbie Blake is the best player in the current crop."

Mr Eastwood, whose father William was chairman of the local Labour Party, said his love affair with the Clarets began when he was taken to the club's homecoming parade after winning the FA Cup at the Crystal Palace in 1914.

"Burnley had beaten Liverpool in the last cup final ever played at the Crystal Palace. My mother Annie took me to the town centre to watch the homecoming parade.

"It was a horse-drawn double-decker baronette which came from the Barracks Station. When the war broke out I remember most of the team went on to work in a munitions factory in Elm Street. Sadly, one of the players, Teddy Hodgson, died later from wounds he suffered in the war."

Mr Eastwood, who was an ARP warden during the Second World War, didn't marry until he was 54. His wife Muriel died some years ago. His brother Harry was killed in an accident while managing a mill in Peru and he also had a sister, Agnes. He played football himself for Colne Road Wesleyan Sunday School and played cricket for local mill teams.

A spokesman for Burnley Football Club said: "It's no surprise to see Burnley fans still following the team in their older years. I am sure Hartley was delighted when the club regained their rightful place in the Premier League this year."