A LIFELONG Derby County fan said she was delighted to pick up free Rams tickets when she pledged her support for the city's World Cup bid.

Barbara Stannard, of Littleover, did not realise she would be in a prize draw when she left her name in support of Derby's bid to host the tournament in 2018 or 2022.

The 62-year-old has travelled as far as Geneva to watch the Rams but has not been able to get to a game in recent months.

But now she has been picked out from hundreds of people who filled out a form in Derby's Westfield Centre, agreeing for their names to be registered in support of Derby's case on England's bid website, www.eng land2018bid.com.

She said: "It's fantastic to have won the tickets and a real surprise, because I didn't know I was entering something I could win.

"I just wanted to put my name down in support of the World Cup bid because I think Derby County Football Club is a worthwhile team and their ground, Pride Park, is such a good football venue.

"I had my 60th birthday party there and I really enjoyed it. It's an ideal ground to hold the World Cup."

Derby's bid team, which organised the draw, has not yet finalised which game she will be attending.

Derby Telegraph readers can join Barbara in her support for the World Cup bid by visiting www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/bid and www.therams.co.uk as well as www.derby2018bid.com and www.england2018 bid.com.