FOOTBALL fan Harry Hardman got a taste of being on the winning side when he walked away with the title of Starlad at the St Helens Show at the weekend.

The five-year-old from Rainford would love to follow in the footsteps of his Anfield idol Michael Owen and he certainly showed off his winning ways on stage.

Harry's dad, Roy, who works as a cabin crew member for British Airways, virtually threw his son back on to the stage when Harry was announced as this year's winner.

An ecstatic Roy, of Green Lane, Rainford, told the Star: "I can't believe it we've had a fantastic day today. We were a little nervous because we didn't know what the judges were looking for and we just didn't know what to expect.

"My wife, Julie, and daughter Jessica, came second in the Mother and Baby competition earlier and now Harry's won this. We will certainly be celebrating tonight. I'm really proud of all of them, they're brilliant."

Harry, who goes to Rainford C of E Primary School, is a member of Kicks Soccer School and one day he hopes to play for his favourite team, Liverpool. Seven-year-old Scott Sutcliffe, from Horwood Avenue, Rainhill, took the second prize.

Scott, a pupil at Longton Lane Primary School, loves art and music and already plays the recorder at his school but is hoping to start playing the clarinet soon. He also loves singing and dancing and would love to be either a singer or a vet when he grows up.

His mum, Annette was delighted with Scott's second place and said: "He seems to have inherited his love of music from his big sister Stephanie. She is 11 and plays the flute and Scott is determined to follow her lead and he would love to be a singer or musician." Third place went to animal-lover Joe Duffy (5) from Patterson Street, Newton-le-Willows, who loves playing on his computer and wants to be a vet when he grows up.

Joe, who goes to District C of E Primary School, also loves reading and Pokemon.

Mum and dad, Lisa and Mark were "absolutely chuffed" when he walked away with third place. But Mark couldn't help but laugh about one of the prizes, a signed Saints rugby ball. For Mark is a staunch Wigan fan and Joe's middle name is Ellery!