A RECORD 1,200 football fans boarded Charlton's Valley Express coach service from Kent for the home game against West Bromwich Albion.

Twenty-four coaches ran from 60 pick-up points with 40 in Kent and the rest in East Sussex and Essex.

By far the biggest number boarded in Maidstone where 300 took advantage of the £5 return cut-price offer.

The pick-up point in Armstrong Road was heavily congested with BBC Television Match of the Day cameras on board to film the trip. The feature was broadcast on Sunday evening duing Match of the Day2.

Rick Everitt, the Valley Express organiser, praised the efforts of Maidstone-based Charlton supporter-director Sue Townsend.

He said: "Sue has worked tirelessly for many years on the club's behalf in the Maidstone area. Now she has taken that commitment to an even higher level since we started Valley Express."

Mr Everitt said that Valley Express organisers would meet next month to discuss next season's service so that Kent based fans could make early arrangements to purchase season tickets.

The take-up on Charlton's last five-match ticket has been met with a brisk response from Valley Express travellers. Booking are being taken on the Valley Express for the next two home games against Manchester City on Saturday, April 2 and Bolton on Saturday, April 16.

Fans can book return travel to The Valley from more than 60 pick-up points across Kent, East Sussex and Essex for £5. For further details call 0800 587 1100.