Devoted football fan regularly flies from Canada to watch Reading play

He could well be the world's most dedicated footie fan.

Charles McLeod, 62, regularly does a 7,000-mile round trip from Canada... to watch Championship side Reading.

He was born in the town and emigrated to Toronto 44 years ago.

But despite being an ocean apart, devoted Charles has never stopped following the fortunes of the Royals, And when he retired three years ago he had more time on his hands so became a season ticket-holder. Last season he clocked up 120,000 miles watching 17 matches.

Charles said: "I've now renewed my season ticket for 2009/10. I usually time my trips so I can see two games in a week. What helps is that I've a brother and sister who live near Reading so I don't pay accommodation - the air ticket is main expense."

Charles, who spent £14,000 travelling to the side's Madejski Stadium last year, went to his first Reading game in 1958 as a schoolboy. He proudly remembers: "It was a 1-1 draw against Brighton."

Brendan Rodgers, manager of Reading FC who have been relegated to the Championship, said: "His dedication is just fantastic.";