LITTLE Ryan Howarth from Fulwood got an extra special present for his sixth birthday on Saturday (September 16) -- the chance to be the mascot for his favourite soccer team, Preston North End.

Ryan, pictured here with PNE winger Iain Anderson, is a pupil at Our Lady and St Edwards RC Primary School, in Blackpool Lane, Preston, and was over the moon as he led the team onto the pitch at Deepdale before their match with Stockport County. And, in his role as mascot, it was Ryan's job to shoot a few balls before the start of the game -- scoring three goals in the net past ace goalie David Lucas. Ryan said: "It was brilliant! It was a day I'll never forget."