COLCHESTER United fan and BBC Radio 6 Music DJ Steve Lamacq got a 50th birthday surprise present when he was invited to the U’s training ground.

Football-mad Lamacq grew up in Colne Engaine and was a long-time season ticket holder at the club’s former Layer Road ground.

Colchester United posted a picture of Lamacq on Twitter yesterday with manager Tony Humes and his assistant Richard Hall with the message: “Hope Steve Lamacq enjoyed his day at Colchester United.

“Happy birthday from the U’s, Steve.”

The picture shows the DJ proudly holding a Colchester United shirt with his age on it.

Manager Tony Humes is on the left and his assistant Richard Hall is on the right.

See next week’s Gazette for a full interview with Lamacq.