Young fans' dreams come true

Two young football fans are to realise their dreams when they stand on the pitch alongside their heroes.

Luke Stevenson, of Wednesbury, will escort the England football team on to the Wembley pitch next week.

The 11-year old, who has Asperger's Syndrome, will be an official mascot for the Three Lions as they take on Holland on Wednesday

Emily Badger, aged 12, of Tividale, will meanwhile be proving the Black Country's got talent when she sings the club song before Albion's home game against Sunderland tomorrow. She will sing The Lord's My Shepherd before the teams emerge from the tunnel.

Albion are now urging fans to make the moment extra special by bringing blue-and-white scarves to the Barclays Premier League fixture and holding them aloft when Emily sings the famous hymn.

And six supporters who heed the call will be selected from the crowd and given the chance to join her on the pitch while she performs.

Luke was meanwhile picked at random for the England fixture from a group of 12 youngsters supported by Action For Children alongside Trey Jennings , aged 10, of Huddersfield.

Luke has been attending the charity's Walsall resource centre for a year, which helps children and young people with disabilities.

The football-mad youngster, who has a season ticket for Wolverhampton Wanderers and plays for the Aston Villa Special Needs Team, said: "I couldn't believe it when I found out I was going to Wembley and will meet all of the players. I love football and I'm really excited that I'm going to be on telly."

Luke's mum Amy Stevenson added: "I'm absolutely delighted that Luke will have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This really is a dream come true for him."