Bradford City legend Dean Windass visits Family Shopper

Rash Khan - who has owned Family Shopper, formerly Londis, on Thornton Road for the last six years - recently won the Cadbury competition 'Win a Worldie'.

It meant his store would be hosting a meet and greet with a football legend.

Bantams hero Dean Windass delighted customers between 2pm and 4pm on Tuesday, September 12.

The former Premier League striker posed for pictures and reminisced about his happy times in claret and amber.

Windass posed for pictures at the shop (Image: Newsquest)"It was fantastic. Better than we could have ever imagined," organiser Jasdeep Bariana, who is a Cadbury Sales Executive, said.

"We had around 400-500 people come through the door. More and more were coming after the kids finished school.

Residents of the local care home enjoyed the event (Image: Newsquest)"We had some residents come from the local care home, and long-time Bradford City fans that Dean actually recognised.

"Dean was a great sport and he was fantastic with the kids. He said it brought back a lot of good memories from when he was here."

Windass, who made over 200 appearances for the Bantams in two spells at the club, appeared alongside Billy the Bantam.

The pair handed out 100 free goodie bags and hosted a 'how many sweets are in the jar' competition where the winner won a Cadbury hamper.

Wibsey boy Jonah, 9, got Windass to sign his City shirt (Image: Newsquest)"Rash and the whole community absolutely loved it," Mr Bariana added.

"He has become a football fan off the back of the visit. He wants to go to a Bradford City game now.

"Me and him want to work with the Bradford City Foundation moving forward."

Mr Khan won the opportunity to host Windass after Cadbury's were impressed with his display.

Billy the Bantam also turned up to the event (Image: Newsquest)The stand featured a small astroturf football pitch with products all around it.

Mr Bariana said: "Rash is ambitious and likes doing things out of the norm.

"In October 2022, he transformed his Cadbury's display in the shop from being bog standard to one of the best in Bradford.

"It looked like something you would see in a supermarket, the kids loved it."

Hundreds of fans met Windass (Image: Newsquest)Prior to the event, Mr Khan said: "It is unbelievable, we are all so excited for the big day. It is a dream come true.

"We did whatever we could to win the competition. I am the type of person who if I am going to do something, I make sure I do it properly.

"It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

An absolute pleasure to work with @DWindass10 today.

Who knows… maybe we had a discussion about potentially doing something further? 👀😉🫡 pic.twitter.com/aLmRT3OREK

— The Lower League Look (@LowerLeagueLook) September 12, 2023