THE chance to accompany his favourite players on to the field before a high-profile European match proved irresistible for one North-East football fan.

Arthur Howes, from Darlington, met former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson after being chosen as an official player escort before the Liverpool versus Real Madrid match, in the Champions League, on Wednesday (October 22).

It was the seven-year-old's first visit to Anfield.

His dad Danny said Arthur had a great time, despite Liverpool being beaten by three goals to nil.

Mr Howes said: "I entered a competition run by Mastercard, one of the key sponsors of the competition.

"A few days ago, I got a phone call and when they said they were from Mastercard, I thought someone must have fraudulently used my card."

Mr Howes and his son laid flowers at the Hillsborough memorial and visited the famous Shankly gates.

They also bumped into Liverpool great Graeme Souness, who posed for a picture with Arthur.

The youngster was the second Darlington schoolboy to win a place as a Champions League mascot in recent weeks, after eight-year-old Thomas Black was chosen for the Manchester City versus Roma game last month.

For a chance to be a mascot for future Champions League matches, visit facebook.com/mastercarduk