Preston North End fans bury relegation coffin Published duration 24 July 2011

image caption Hundreds turned out to watch the parade and burial

Preston North End (PNE) fans have buried a coffin to mark the club's relegation to League One.

The club was knocked out of the Championship by Cardiff in April.

Following a tradition which dates back to the 1940s, the fans paraded through Bamber Bridge before burying the PNE branded coffin.

The burial is meant to signify the season being laid to rest. The coffin will be exhumed when the club is next promoted.

The tradition is also held by rival side Blackburn Rovers, if their club is relegated.

Money was raised for three charities - St Catherine's Hospice in Bamber Bridge, Derian House in Chorley and Tender Nursing Care - during the procession on Sunday morning.

Mick Higgins, chair of the PNE burial committee, said: "It has been a fantastic day. We put a good display on.