The loyalty of Keighley Cougars fan Billy Todd would be difficult to match.

The great-grandfather has been following the town's rugby league club, through thick and thin, for almost 80 years.

Billy still attends all the home games, although he has made one concession to his advancing years - he has moved from the terraces into the seated area!

Last week, at a family party to celebrate his 90th birthday, he was presented with a framed photo -- of last year's National League Two championship winning Cougars team -- by player Matt Foster.

"It was a lovely surprise when he turned up. I was really pleased," said Billy, of Merlin Court, Keighley.

The nonagenarian's grandchildren had asked the club if it could send a birthday card on behalf of the players, but Cougars chiefs said they would go one better.

Club chairman Neil Spencer said: "It's great that people like Billy are still coming along and supporting the team.

While we actively work to get more young people involved in the club and playing the game, it is equally important to thank our older-generation supporters."

Billy, a former textile and engineering worker, went with his dad to see his first game, a benefit match, at the Lawkholme Lane ground in 1926.

"I became an instant fan and apart from the six years I was with the army during the war, when I served in Burma, have been a regular ever since," he said. "I also enjoyed playing rugby, and played for the army.

"The club has had its ups and downs over the years. One of the highlights for me was the Wembley cup final appearance in the 1937 season, although unfortunately I wasn't able to go ---I was working nights and I was not allowed the time off! We lost the game to Widnes, but it was a great achievement to get there."

Billy is married to Florence and has a son, two grandsons, a granddaughter and two great grandchildren.