A FIRST team of youngsters from Shadsworth Infant School were due to run out with Blackburn Rovers when the club met Wimbledon at Ewood Park today.

The lucky 11 made the starting line-up when they won a competition run by McDonalds to design a new strip for the club.

Year two class teacher Gill Ousby said: "We had 20 very bright and colourful entries and it was very difficult selecting the 11 who will be joining the club tomorrow."

During what will be a once-in-their lifetime experience for the pupils they were due to meet all the players, have photographs taken with the squad, before holding their hands as the team runs out to the centre circle.

And after waving to the crowd the junior team were joining their parents in the family enclosure in time for the kick-off.

Mrs Ousby said the six girls and five boys had be lent special junior kits for the day and were thrilled to be meeting their favourite players, such as Marcus Bent, David Dunn and captain Gary Flitcroft. Although when asked, the six and seven-year-olds seemed to be big fans of the long-departed Alan Shearer.

She said: "They're all very excited and looking forward to watching Rovers, especially as they will be the team's mascots for the day. With their families and teachers there it's going to be a real community event. We are very grateful to McDonalds for running this competition.

"It will be a very special moment for the children as they go down the tunnel, onto the pitch holding hands with the team. I hope we can keep their good luck going."