A YOUNG football fan from Penketh saw her dream come true when she took on the official role as mascot for Everton.

Stacey Upham, aged 10, from Ditchfield Road, won the chance to represent the team at an auction, and stepped out onto the field with her heroes during the recent Leeds match at Goodison Park.

The St Vincent's Junior School pupil is a keen footballer herself, and plays for Warrington Grange Ladies Football Club.

In her role as mascot, she took an active role in the pre-match kick-about and scored against Everton goalkeeper Richard Wright.

She then walked out onto the pitch with Everton captain David Weir and watched her team beat Leeds by two goals to nil.

She said: "It was the best day of my life and one I'll always remember."