A LIFELONG Cherries fan has chosen a rather unique way to support his team tonight.

Mike Chinchen, 46, had both of his legs amputated below the knees after contracting meningitis back in 2002.

After years of rehabilitation and trialling a number of different prosthetic styles, he now boasts a set of state-of-the-art artificial legs which have been branded in the traditional team colours of championship high flyers AFC Bournemouth.

Mike has been an AFC Bournemouth fan ever since he can remember and as a season ticket holder, attends home matches with his young son at Dean Court.

He said: “I’m delighted with how the legs have turned out, and I’m looking forward to hearing the comments from my son when he sees them, and from fellow supporters when I attend the next home game.

“Caroline and her team here at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital have been absolutely brilliant. They have supported me through what has been a really difficult few years and I wouldn’t be at this point without them. I’m proud to wear my new legs and thanks to the team, I have some that stand out and make a bold statement.”

Prosthetist Caroline McNerney was responsible for designing the new legs. She said: “Nowadays we have the ability to personalise prosthetics with all sorts of designs, and both Mike and I came up with the idea to manufacture a pair themed around his beloved AFC Bournemouth.

“The football club kindly donated us two shirts which we cut up into the shape of Mike’s new legs and laminated them using a special carbon resin. The result has been fantastic and we are all delighted with the outcome.”