Fan sells family heirloom to see Villa in the Europa League final

Lifelong Aston Villa supporter Scott Barnes never thought he would sell his late dad's diamond ring - but when the Villans reached their first European final since 1982 he had an emotional decision to make.

Barnes took the drastic step to sell the beloved ring after he had success in the ballot to buy a ticket on Tuesday, something he thought would "never ever ever" happen.

Speaking on BBC Radio WM's football phone-in though, the season ticket holder admitted his first thought was that he couldn't afford the flight to Istanbul to see Villa face Freiburg in the Europa League Final, in a week's time.

He said that it was only when his partner Claire reminded him about the ring that a plan was hatched, with Barnes saying he spent his last £20 on fuel to get to Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

The gold ring, set with nine diamonds was bought by his father John Barnes, in 1988.

"Everyone loved my dad, the whole family we loved him, he was so generous and used to pay for everything, we never went without," his son remembers.

"I still have my dad's wedding ring, and my mum's wedding ring that I will keep forever."

Selling the ring was not straightforward though, and Scott had to visit a number of jewellery shops to seal the deal.

But then one came up trumps, and he sold the ring, along with a watch, and was paid £550.

"When the jeweller gave me the money, I burst into tears in the shop," Barnes said.

He was very close to his father, but his emotions were heightened further because John had supported him through a gastric bypass in 2009 and the complications that followed, which included sepsis and septicaemia.

"I had to learn to walk again, I couldn't do anything, so there was a big gap from going to the Villa," Barnes remembers.

And now, despite being registered disabled, he tries to get to every game, whether it is home or away.

Read the full piece on BBC News

Click play above to hear more from Scott or listen on