PENSIONER Les Pinner was given a VIP day out to remember after he told the Journal how much he loved to watch his favourite football team, Saints, play at their new St Mary's stadium.

Les (87), who reckons he is probably one of Southampton football club's longest-standing supporters, having been a fan for 75 years, received an invitation to be a special guest of Saints' sponsor Friends Provident.

The Salisbury insurance and investment company contacted Les, through the Journal, and asked him to join them for a home match of his choice.

They extended the invitation to include a guest and Les took his son Michael along with him to the Premiership match against Manchester City, managed by former Southampton player Kevin Keegan.

They were given five-star hospitality during and after the match and, at the end of the memorable day, Les was presented with a ball signed by all the Southampton players.

Although Les had watched the Saints many times at their ground, the Dell, he had never been to the new Friends Provident St Mary's stadium.

He said: "My son Michael came down from Lowestoft, which was a round trip of 500 miles, to be with me for the occasion.

"It was an absolutely wonderful day.

"I had never been to the stadium before and there is only one word to describe it - magnificent.''

Nigel Veal, community relations manager at Friends Provident, said: "We were delighted to have been able to help Les fulfil his ambition to see the Saints play at the St Mary's Stadium.

"As one of Southampton's oldest and most loyal supporters, he knew all about the club's history and had many interesting anecdotes.''

Unhappily Les, of Hudson Road, Salisbury, saw his beloved Saints lose 2-0, but the result was softened when he was presented with the signed ball by Southampton and England defender Graeme le Saux.