A BLIND Kendal man will take to the hallowed turf of Wembley this weekend to sing as part of a makeshift choir in front of 90,000 football fans.

Michael Hartley, of Calder Drive, was registered blind in 1986 after a career in the catering industry.

The 79-year-old's latest quest to live life to its fullest has seen him win a trip to London in the BBC Songs of Praise FA Cup Fans Choir competition.

He will join The Band of The Brigade of Gurkhas in the centre circle of the national stadium to sing 'Abide with Me' before Arsenal's showdown with Aston Villa in the FA Cup Final on Saturday.

"I've done a bit of singing on stage and in pantomimes but nothing serious," said the life-long Blackpool fan. "I am really looking forward to it. I'm not the type to get nervous. It's going to be great fun and really interesting to be part of.

"I think just standing in the middle of Wembley is going to be the pick of the whole weekend."

Mr Hartley will join 63 other football fans, who are a mix of male and female fans with ages ranging from early 20s right up to 100 years, by representing the club they support.

John Barker, from The South Lakes Talking Newspaper Association, will also be going as his sighted guide.

The duo will travel down to the capital today (Friday) and Mr Hartley will be heading straight to the stadium for rehearsals.

More than 1,300 people applied to take part in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The competition saw fans from each of the teams who progressed to the third round in the FA Cup write their personal stories from the historic cup competition.

Mr Hartley won the hearts of the judges recounting his memories of visiting Bloomfield Road in Blackpool between 1948/1952.

"In those days Blackpool had as its mascot, a real live duck, dyed tangerine with dye used for smoked haddock (RSPB approved)," he wrote. "So, on came an FA Cup replay versus Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sid Beavers was ill (Sid was the duck minder).

"I was asked if I would take on the duck. Wow, I couldn’t believe it! Of course I would. I knew the ritual well, I’d seen it often. I tucked the duck under my arm and ran out just in front of the Blackpool team.

"I ran to the centre spot, put the duck down and raised my arms to the Kop to bring a welcoming roar from the crowd. What a thrill! I then walked back to the players entrance followed as trained, by the duck.

"I think Blackpool won 1-0 but I don’t remember that FA Cup tie for the football but for my triumphant elation of taking on that iconic duck."