A care home resident in Sale and lifelong Altrincham FC super fan was "walking on air" after he received the surprise of a lifetime to feature in a special radio show.

Bob Allan from Care UK's Oakfield Croft made a special appearance on Radio Alty, the club's dedicated station.

The 94-year-old from Sale began supporting Altrincham FC when he was 29 but inherited his passion for the team from his uncle Ralph who used to lift him over the turnstiles when he was nine years old so he could watch the game from the stands.

A lifelong season ticket holder, Bob last went to watch a game at J Davidson Stadium last year with a bit of help from the care home team and never stopped supporting his team from further afield.

Staff at the care home got to work to partner with Altrincham FC in hopes of organising a special surprise for the fan.

He was then invited to appear on the show in a broadcast, and the team transformed the care home into a "recording studio" so Bob could chat freely from his home.

Bob reminisced on match days from the past, key players from over the decades and the history of the club, as well as his own memories of taking his wife and daughter to the games.

After the show, he was also presented with hospitality tickets.

Bob said: “Football is a joyous way to spend a Saturday afternoon, I was amazed when we did that show that so many people sent in messages from all around the world.

"It’s amazing how your memory is restored when you talk about something, being on the show has brought back some lovely memories. 

"I’m really looking forward to going to the game again and hope it’s one of many.”

Dan Cole, home manager at Oakfield Croft, said: “We never would have thought our home would ever be turned into a recording studio – and Bob never imagined he’d be a radio star either!

"We believe in creating thoughtful activities and events that are meaningful to residents’ lives at Oakfield Croft, and there’s little more precious to Bob than his lifelong love of Altrincham FC.

"We’re incredibly grateful for the team’s support in enabling us to organise an afternoon to remember and for their generosity.

"Bob had an amazing time reminiscing, and it was fascinating to hear all the amazing stories of the team he’s collected over the years.

“We loved celebrating Bob’s memories and experiencing the behind-the-scenes of a radio show – we’re looking forward to the segment airing!”