HUNDREDS of new Blackburn Rovers fans have sprung up in The Gambia, thanks to one enthusiastic supporter.

The famous blue and white halves are becoming the unofficial uniform of beach sellers, thanks to Ian Wiggins who got fed up of seeing them all wear rivals’ kits.

Ian, of Oakdale, Blackburn, is a regular visitors to the West African country for holidays and business trips.

On his latest visit he took scores of Rovers shirts donated by people in East Lancashire.

A collection point was located at the club’s official merchandise store at Ewood Park.

Ian even kitted out local team Brufut Rovers and has now produced a film called ‘Gambia: Grass Roots on Sand’ in which all the new Rovers supporters thank those who donated kits.

Ewood season ticket holder Ian, an ultrasonic tester on railway lines, said: “All the beach traders seem to wear football shirts and I was fed up seeing them all in Manchester United kits.

“Last time, the club donated the strips worn by the ladies team last season. We’d only got 13 shirts so this time I wanted to go with more and they were as popular as ever.”

In the short film Ian has made, he captures a group of men wearing their new Rovers shirts and chanting the club’s name passionately.

One local has even written a song for his new favourite team, called “Blackburn – They Are the Best.”

Ian said he would continue to make trips to Gambia, adding: “My mission is to get every beach seller in a Rovers shirt. That would be some sight!”