Revealed: Leeds United fan behind 'Free Ben White' banner on M1 'inspired by Coronation Street'

Phil Wiseman, 31, is a season ticket holder in the 'cheese wedge' at Elland Road.

A #FreeBenWhite campaign has spread across social media to try and secure the fan favourite for next season - after he returned to parent club Brighton.

His wife gave him the idea of the 'Free Ben White' banner based off the public reaction to Deirdre Barlow's imprisonment on Coronation Street.

Phil, from Wakefield, put up the banner on the motorway - which has seen a huge reaction from Leeds United fans.

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post the reaction had been 'surprisingly good'.

He said: "My missus gave me the idea from when Deirdre was put in prison on corrie.

"The reaction has been quite good actually.

"A lot of people are laughing at it, well those who knew what the banner actually meant.

"It blew up on Twitter quite rapidly."

According to Phil, some motorists believed the sign was actually referring to freeing an inmate at Wakefield prison.

Many fans have taken to social media to share their support for the 'campaign'.A message from the Editor: Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins