ACCRINGTON Stanley fans made sure they gate-crashed the East Lancashire derby party between Burnley and Blackburn on Sunday.

Six of the Stanley fans group, the Ultras, organised an aeroplane to fly over the pitch at half-time during the FA Cup fifth round clash with the banner "Accrington Stanley - Pride of Lancs".

Although the BBC cameras didn't show it, the presenter gave it a mention as he interviewed Rovers fan Jack Straw and Clarets supporter Alistair Campbell during the break - and the 21,000 fans at Turf Moor got a good view of it.

"It was quality," said one of Ultras organiser's Jason Graham.

"We had been planning it for about four weeks and we all put our money in, got it sorted and then waited for it to happen. It flew over Accrington about four times before it flew over Turf Moor and we all ran out onto the pitch at Stanley waving our scalves, shouting and dancing around.

"We were watching BBC at half-time and we could hear it. It is just a shame they only mentioned it and didn't show it. They spent more time on the man who ran onto the pitch and confronted Robbie Savage when they could have given time to our plane!"

The six Ultras decided to do the stunt to keep Accrington Stanley in the public eye - and remind the watching fans and viewers that the Reds still exist up the road and need the fans from both local league clubs to come and give Stanley a try when they can.

"It is our job as a group of fans to get people to the Interlink," said Jason who is known for the colourful flags and banners he takes to every Stanley game.

"What we have at Accrington is a terrace where people can stand and watch the game - they have nearly died out everywhere else.

"That makes for a better atmosphere and we wanted to show people that Accrington Stanley are there, that we have a passionate group of supporters and that, as a group of fans and a club, we have plenty to offer.

"We wanted to get people talking about Accrington Stanley and it worked. The plane got mentioned in a few national newspapers and everyone was talking about it on Monday morning."

The group have got a stunt lined up for the replay next Tuesday but are remaining tight lipped.

"We can't better that - I don't think anything will in a long time - but we have got something planned to keep people talking about Accrington Stanley."