SOCCER-MAD Christopher Thomason is a dedicated youngster.

And in the past 12 months he has worked hard to become one of the most successful cub scouts in the North West.

That has earned him the prize of a lifetime.

The nine-year-old led out his favourite team, Manchester United, for their Old Trafford clash with Aston Villa.

Christopher joined the 4th Tyldesley Holy Family Scout Group a year ago and has since made giant strides.

He has gained 18 activity badges and helped the Atherton & Tyldesley District Scout Council in numerous events and charity fund-raising events.

His efforts have delighted parents Keith and Donna, of St Austell Avenue, Tyldesley.

Child minder Donna said: "Christopher really enjoys being a cub scout and spends most of his spare time at their activities.

"It was a wonderful surprise for him to be told on his ninth birthday just before Christmas that his enthusiasm had been rewarded with an invitation to be mascot for a Manchester United match.

"He is United mad and has been for many years."

District commissioner of scouts Malcolm Bell added: "Christopher has worked extremely hard in his first year and has been an excellent example to all his fellow cub scouts.

"He thoroughly deserved the opportunity of a lifetime."

A pupil at Holy Family RC School in Boothstown, he and his parents were guests of United sponsors Sharp Electronics (UK) for the match.

He led the team out, then enjoyed a pre-match kickabout with the players and was introduced to match officials before tossing the coin.

Sadly, United let him down. They scrambled a 0-0 draw.

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