Deprived children will get free tickets to Albion home matches next season thanks to the club and city council.

The deal means six youngsters will be able to go to each game to watch their heroes.

It is hoped that most, if not all, children living away from their natural families wishing to watch the Albion will get to see the team at least once a season.

To launch the scheme, Albion chief executive Martin Perry presented four youngsters with a giant ticket for home games next season at Saturday's game against Notts County.

The entitlement is the latest benefit to follow from the Listen Up card, which is given to all looked-after children in the city.

It gives free entry to council-run swimming pools and there are plans to extend it to other leisure activities in the city.

Mr Perry said: "We're delighted to be able to help these young people. They are our fans of tomorrow."

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "We want the children and young people we look after to have as much of a good time as anyone else and it's great to know the Albion feel the same."