A MAN who worked as a mascot at Blackburn Rovers has admitted sex offences involving youngsters.

Scott Henderson, 24, was one of several volunteers who dressed up as Roar the Lion for matches at Ewood Park.

Police said he performed sex acts via a webcam after contacting boys as young as 14 through Facebook.

He also had obscene video clips of children.

He was arrested in October 2010 and has now appeared at Preston Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to seven charges.

Det Insp Claire Holbrook said: “This was a very serious offence against children and my department works extremely hard to ensure that sad individuals like Henderson have to face the full weight of the law.

“I am pleased that he has pleaded guilty and that none of his child victims have to give evidence at court.

“It doesn’t go unnoticed, and is taken extremely seriously, that this man worked with children in an environment where he was in a position of trust.”

Henderson, of the Wensley Fold area of Blackburn, admitted two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and three counts of making indecent photographs of a child.

All the charges relate to incidents in September, March and April 2010.

After Henderson was first charged with the offences 18 months ago he was relieved of his duties by Blackburn Rovers.

During the course of his duties as Roar, he would appear as the mascot at games, as well as attending children's birthday parties.

Henderson also helped out at the club's indoor football centre next to the Darwen End.

The astroturf football pitches are used by Blackburn Rovers youth players, as well as being hired out to scores of paying customers, including children, every day.

A spokesman for Blackburn Rovers confirmed that Henderson no longer had any association with the club.

The Roar the Lion part was filled by a number of people on a rotating basis, the club said.

Following the allegations, Rovers ditched the mascot and launched a competition to design a new one.

The club’s mascot is now Rover the dog.