A LIFELONG Spennymoor Town fan is to fly more than 3,400 miles from Dubai to watch his heroes play at Wembley in the FA Carlsberg Vase final.

Tony Wilson, 58, grew up on York Hill Estate in the town before he left the area to work in the oil rig industry. He has worked around the world, including 14 years in Dubai.

He regularly attended Spennymoor Town matches in the 1970s and 80s with his friend Peter Maddison.

Following Spennymoor’s quarter-final win over West Midlands team Gornal Athletic he vowed to return for the cup final if they got there.

He has kept his promise and he is part of a group who will be at Wembley to see the match against Tunbridge Wells on Saturday (May 4).

Mr Maddison, 56, said: “We used to knock about together and we’ve always kept in touch.

“He’s a big Spennymoor and Sunderland Football Club fan and he’s kept in touch with them from afar via the internet.

“We used to go and watch Spennymoor and he’s from the town so it’s in his blood.

“We spoke at the funeral of his mother, Barbara Wilson, in Darlington, earlier this year and he was adamant that he was coming across.”

Mr Wilson flew into London on Wednesday (May 1) and he is to head back to Dubai on Sunday (May 5).