SCARF-WAVING football fans are due to roll back the years this Saturday by embarking on a journey with a difference.

More than 400 supporters of non-league side FC United of Manchester will set off to a big match against Ramsbottom United by steam train, in homage to the old 'matchday special trains' fans used to take to games in the 1970s and 1980s.

Hired from East Lancashire Railway, the steam-powered locomotive will transport the fans from Heywood to Bury and then onto Ramsbottom station, just a few hundred yards from the Riverside Stadium.

Supporters have promised to deck the train out in scarves, flags and a special nameplate.

While Ramsbottom's season is all but over, table-topping FC United, who used to play home games at Gigg Lane, are in a promotion hunt in the Northern Premier League and a bumper attendance of more than 1,000 is expected.

FC United member and 'Rammy Rattler' organiser Vinny Thompson said: "The Rammy Rattler has had a tremendous response from our supporters, with the train selling out within three weeks of the tickets going on sale.

"We could have sold at least another 100 places but we had to cap the numbers at 400 as there's no spare carriages or trains to accommodate us.

"Supporters travelling will receive a special souvenir pin badge and a bottle of Rammy Rattler ale. Children will get a pin badge and an Easter egg.

"Travelling to the match by steam train isn't something you can do every week and we're grateful to the East Lancashire Railway for accommodating us and for all their help.

"Ramsbottom may well hear us before it sees us on Saturday but we're expecting a good natured and colourful arrival into the station at around 2pm."

Ramsbottom officials have reversed a decision to increase the price of admission by £1 after supporters expressed their opposition.

They had hoped charging an even £10 would speed up entry but it will remain at £9, and club officials have instead appealed for fans to arrive early.