A DEVOTED 74-year-old Wigan Warriors supporter got a trip of a lifetime when he got to meet his heroes.

Peter Adshead who is cared for by Belong at Home Atherton, thought he was attending a normal match but thanks to Belong at Home and St Cuthbert's amateur rugby club.

Having watched the team compete their way to another stunning league match victory at the DW Stadium, he got the chance to personally congratulate the team, including favourite players, props, Liam Byrne and Ethan Havard.

Leigh Journal: Peter Adshead with Liam ByrnePeter Adshead with Liam Byrne

Adding to the occasion's excitement, the cherry (and whites) on top was the invitation to see up-close the Challenge Cup, the knockout competition trophy won by the club for a record 20th time, earlier this year.

The day was made possible by St Cuthbert's, and community carer, Paula, who accompanied Peter to the match as part of her job with Belong at Home Atherton, a not-for-profit care service that supports people in their own homes. Homecare.co.uk recently named it one of the country's Top 20 Home Care Groups.

Paula said: "I enjoyed doing something special with Peter. Personal care and help around the home are big parts of my job but it's also about being a friend and doing fun things together - it really meant a lot to him, and for me, having the opportunity to go to the match with him and see him having fun is what makes work very rewarding."

Leigh Journal: Peter with the challenge cupPeter with the challenge cup

Originally from Scotland, Peter became a Warriors fan after moving to the area with his family in the late 1980s. He's also a regular face in the stands at St Cuthbert's, who kindly supplied the match tickets. On the rare occasions he isn't watching the sport, he can be found enjoying activities and events in the company of others like him at Belong Atherton care village, where Paula is based.

Peter Adshead, said: "The day out was just wonderful. Whenever the Warriors scored, I jumped out of my seat! I'm very grateful to Paula for taking me to the match so I could support my team, and being able to meet the players and see the Challenge Cup trophy are moments I'll never forget."