A long-time Bradford City fan was treated like a VIP by the club to celebrate his 90th birthday. Arnold Thompson, 90, from Pudsey, who has been a Bantams season ticket holder for 78 years, got the present of his dreams when he was welcomed to join club officials before the game against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

The special visit was set up by his 12-year-old great granddaughter, Georgia Phillips, who sent a letter to the club asking for a birthday treat for him, thinking she would receive a card at best.

But thanks to Mark Lawn, co-chairman of the club, Mr Thompson and his son Craig Thompson were invited for a special visit behind the scenes.

The pair parked in the players’ car park and then wined and dined in the directors’ lounge where they met the chairmen and directors of Bradford City. They then enjoyed a meal and had some celebratory birthday drinks.

Club officials also sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him.

He then walked onto the pitch and had photographs taken with some of the players and manager Phil Parkinson.

Mr Thompson said: “I had such a marvellous time. I felt like one of the directors, they treated me like a king.

“I just felt like I was in another world. I have supported them for so long, since 1935, and this was more than I could have imagined.

“The experience is hard to put into words it meant so much to me.”

His passion for the club started at age 12 and even now at 90 years old he drives himself to every home game and even travelled to Wembley to watch his team in the Capital One Cup final this season.

Mr Lawn said: “Arnold’s great granddaughter wrote to me personally originally, asking for a signed shirt or something for his birthday. But I thought it would be nicer because he has been a fan for such a long time to invite him into the director’s lounge for a meal and drinks. It was lovely to meet him.

“We wanted to do it as a gesture, and I think he had a great time.”

His granddaughter, Lynne Thompson, of Otley, said: “Bradford City didn't have to do this. It just goes to show they really do have committed supporters and this is something that doesn’t go unmissed.

“They made my grandad’s birthday, his week, and his year and most probably this will be something that he will never ever forget.

“My father said that grandad’s face was an absolute picture and he found it very hard to keep the tears in as this meant so much to him.”