BLUEPOOL; UEFA CUP FINAL RANGERS v ZENIT ST PETERSBURG 1 DAY TO GO Bears invade seaside resort ahead of big game.

Byline: BY MARK SMITH

A 10,000-STRONG advance party of Rangers fans has invaded Blackpool ahead of tomorrow's UEFA Cup Final in Manchester.

Many supporters have chosen the lively seaside resort as their base for the match against Russian side Zenit St Petersburg - which is being played 50 miles away.

Blackpool has been swamped by Bears decked out in red, white and blue. Bar takings have soared and hoteliers report a massive boost in bookings.

Happy Scots Bar owner Hamish Howitt said: "Blackpool has always been a magnet for the Scots - add temperatures of 75 degrees and it's easy to see why thousands prefer to make it Blackpool and not Manchester. I understand many are staying for the whole week, making it a proper holiday." Paul Taylor, who runs the New Promenade Hotel, said: "I have just had 50 Rangers fans walk off the street and book rooms - you can't do better than that."

Seaside bosses are planning to erect giant TV screens in the town's Talbot Square and at new sections of the seafront so that fans without tickets do not have to travel to Manchester. A favourite haunt for Scottish drinkers is The Jaggy Thistle pub on York Street, which has been painted blue and white for the occasion.

Lancashire Police said: "There has been little or no trouble, just some warnings about drinking on the streets. Most are sleeping it off on the beach and having a paddle."

Meanwhile, police in Manchester are taking no chances. They have drafted in an extra 210 officers from Merseyside, including a crack response team, to help if trouble flares.

A senior Merseyside officer said: "We are sending up to 10 police support units, each with an inspector, two sergeants and 18 constables.

"And, as in Blackpool, here in Liverpool we will be putting additional officers on the streets of the city centre, as we also expect an influx of Rangers fans who cannot get tickets for the game."

Among officers being drafted in are members of the Matrix Unit, set up in 2005 to target high-level crime.

CAPTION(S):

DONKEYS & BEARS Jacki & Linda Brierly of Glasgow; BLUE ARMY Rangers fans parade in Blackpool