A SCHOOLBOY who wrote to his MP about floodlights for his local sport pitch was thrilled to find himself having a kickabout with her.

Caelan Blades contacted new Hyndburn Conservative Sara Britcliffe to ask about helping him to use the Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle, pitch at night.

The 10-year-old Blackburn Rovers fan wrote to Miss Britcliffe, who lives in Oswaldtwistle too, telling her: “Every night I like to go to the park and practise my football skills so that I can follow my dream of being a footballer.

“The floodlights - there are none.

“This makes it very hard for me and lots of other children to have a match and practise. I am asking you for your support in putting lights on the footy pitch for the community to use and enjoy and be safe.”

The Saint Andrews primary school pupil who lives near the park,was stunned when 24-year Miss Britcliffe arranged to meet him at the pitch and even more delighted when they ended up playing football.

He said: “It was very exciting. I didn’t expect to be playing football with her. She was good. Her passing skills were very good. It was fun.”

Miss Britcliffe and her assistant Paul Buckley joined Caelan and his mother Deborah and father Michael for the kickabout.

She said: “It was a pleasure to meet Caelan. He is such an enthusiastic, polite and intelligent boy. It is so important that we support the younger generation in any way we can. I’ll be following up Caelan’s request with Hyndburn Borough Council and Sport England.

“These is definitely one of the moments that make this job so worthwhile. I haven’t played football since I was nine and was always the goalkeeper so I have discovered passing skills I never knew I had.”

Mrs Blades said: “Caelan was thrilled. He felt empowered that someone was listening to him.We are very proud of him.”

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “I am happy to play ball with Sara, Caelen and his family and see what we can do.”