A young Blackpool football fan's artistic skills have seen him score a chance to meet his footballing heroes.

Stephen Pyper, 13, will help top England stars kick off their preparations for June's World Cup in Germany when he is a special guest at the launch of the new England away kit in Manchester next Monday.

The keen Blackpool FC supporter's picture of goalscoring midfield ace, Frank Lampard, impressed judges at football magazine Kick

Stars including Lampard, David Beckham and Michael Owen are expected at the press conference to launch the shirt, which comes just two days before the team takes on Uruguay in a pre-World Cup friendly next Wednesday.

"My mum bought me the magazine and I entered the competition by drawing a picture of Frank Lampard," said Stephen - who plays football for BJFF.

"I'm hoping to meet people like Frank Lampard, John Terry and Steven Gerrard."

And mum Gill added: "He will be going down to Manchester on Sunday and staying overnight at a hotel before the launch on Monday morning."

Unfortunately, despite buying the magazine which set Stephen on the road to meet his England heroes, Gill will miss out on the big day.

"There are only two tickets," she added: "And we decided his dad Jim would appreciate it more. It's a shame - I kept asking the woman who phoned to tell us he had won if we could take a third person as well!"

But, while he can't wait to meet the England stars, Seasiders fan Stephen has no hesitation in naming Blackpool skipper Peter Clarke as his favourite player.