BURNLEY dog owner John Eccles received a rapturous champagne welcome after his release from prison.

Mr Eccles, of Scott Park Road, had been jailed for seven years in Strangeways after refusing to pay a £10 fine for walking his dog, Sam, in a park.

Crowds of supporters gathered in the flag-lined street to greet the latest hero of the town's pro-dog movement, as seen in this photo on March 1, 1979.

Mr Eccles, was welcomed by his wife, Elaine, and there were welcome home cards from his two sons, John, eight, and Mark, six.

He was driven home from Strangeways by dog rebel leader Mr Frank Clifford in a blue caravanette emblazoned with placards telling the story of Mr Eccles' crime and punishment.

Mr Eccles said: "I am still shaking. It is right what they say about Strangeways. It is a time bomb and it is only a matter of time before it blows."