Norfolk boy's Wembley dream to be realised

A sports-mad youngster has won a trip to Wembley Stadium as an FA Cup mascot.

Joshua Jones, from Strumpshaw, will be travelling to the national stadium after he scooped a place in an online competition run by sponsors Eon.

The 11-year-old will be a mascot for Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final match against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Joshua, who is from Herbert Colman Close, said he was 'absolutely amazed' when he found out he was going to be a mascot.

He said: 'I couldn't believe it when my mum told me.'

Although the Town Close Preparatory School pupil is a season ticket holder at Norwich City, he has a soft spot for Chelsea too and is really excited about seeing his heroes, England players John Terry and Frank Lampard.

The only downside about the trip is having to miss the Norwich City home game against MK Dons.

Joshua was entered into the online competition by his uncle Daren Game, who lives just the other side of Acle in Runham.

Dad David, 58, a solicitor, will be accompanying Joshua on the all expenses trip, which includes a stay in a hotel the night before.

He said: 'He's been on cloud nine every since he found out. It does mean missing the MK Dons game, but that's a sacrifice we're prepared to make.

'Joshua is a real sports fan. He's only two belts off his black belt in karate and he plays rugby for the school, as well as cricket and athletics, and of course he loves football.'

The competition, for children aged between seven and 11, is part of a series of promotional events being run by Eon and that encourage young people to save energy.

A spokeswoman for Eon said: 'The Great Saves campaign celebrates good energy saving at home, as well as great saves on the football pitch.

'By entering on the website there are lots of different football prizes up for grabs.'

More information is available at www.eongreatsaves.com.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.