JAMES Lord lives in Yorkshire -- but he prefers Accrington Stanley to Leeds United!

The 10-year-old was the mascot at Saturday's game against Northwich Victoria.

He met players, walked out on the pitch with skipper Paul Mullen, and received a signed ball and programme.

But it was not James' first occasion as mascot. He made his debut as a one-year-old toddler. And he has followed Stanley loyally since then.

His favourite players include Lutel James, Rory Prendergast, Jamie Speare and Paul Mullin. He plays for a West Yorkshire side called Howden Clough Juniors but his greatest passion is for Stanley.

"My friends all support Leeds, Man Utd and Liverpool. But my dad supports Stanley and I come to Accrington matches with him. I'd like to play for Accrington one day."

His dad, David Lord, grew up in Accrington and now, despite living at Birstall, West Yorkshire, the pair attend as many Stanley games as possible.

David , 40, said: "James had a brief flirtation with Leeds United, but Elland Road season tickets cost too much. He's better-off at Livingstone Road.

"He can stand wherever he wants, with me or his pals, and have good fun. Everyone mixes at Stanley, which is important. That's what football should be about."

His dad added: "I first sponsored a Stanley match when James was aged just one.

" It was great fun and I've sponsored the odd match since then. My wife, Josie, came to the first match with family and friends. It was really nice and I though I'd do the same again when James was ten."

David works for IBM in West Yorkshire. He grew up in Church and Accrington. And, when not at Sacred Heart RC Primary School or Blackburn's St Mary's College, he would watch Stanley matches with his father, the late Jim Lord, who also watched Blackburn and Burnley alternately.

David recalled first seeing Stanley in 1970.

Nowadays, after home matches he and James visits David's 74-year-old mother, Betty Lord , of Maiden Street, Church, for tea and cakes.

She celebrated her birthday this week and still has an interest in Stanley's fortunes .

"And she nicked a nice Stanley scarf I had," joked David.

He keeps up to date with Stanley news through the Evening Telegraph and our website www.thisislancashire.co. uk.

In addition to watching Stanley with his son James, David goes along with mate Dave Wilson.

"When we were younger, Dave supported Liverpool. He once persuade me to see Tranmere Rovers but I'd only go if he came to see Accrington Stanley. He agreed."