A TEENAGE schoolboy is living the dream after being handed a four-year deal at Premiership outfit Bolton Wanderers.

Chris Stokes, 14, of Azalea Drive, Trowbridge, will become the youngest ever player to have been offered this chance at the Reebok Stadium as he homes in on a career in professional football.

The John of Gaunt School student will spend the next two years in the Trotters' academy before starting a further two-year scholarship, taking him up to the age of 18.

He will start a new school in Bolton in September and will also be found accommodation by the club as he prepares to live away from his parents for the first time.

He said: "It will be very scary moving away from home but I am looking forward to it. It will be a whole new experience for me.

"I already know a few people from the club as I went up to look at schools a few weeks ago and I am sure I will get on fine.

"I was very surprised when I heard Bolton were interested in me and it still hasn't really sunk in."

Stokes joined Southampton's academy as an eight year-old and spent a year there before moving on to Bristol City's academy.

He attracted the interest of some of the top clubs after winning a national Bobby Charlton Soccer Skills competition in November.

Stokes, a commanding centre back, was offered a new deal at Ashton Gate but he declined their offer and a week later jumped at the chance to move up north.

He said: "Bolton have just got into the UEFA Cup and they are certainly a team on the way up. I couldn't believe it when they said I was the first 14-year-old to be taken on.

"I am a Newcastle United fan and it would be good if I played for them one day but if I made it at Bolton then that would be fine by me.

Stokes is set to move to Bolton in July, one day after the school term finishes, and will jet out to Austria with the academy as part of a pre- season tour.

His mother, Wendy Stokes, admitted she had mixed feelings about the move.

She said: "I am not looking forward to it but it is a great opportunity for him and we could not stand in his way. He is getting a chance to fulfil his dream and if it does not work out he can always move back home.

"If it was two years further down the line I think I would be more okay with it but at 14 it is quite scary."

His father Martin Stokes knew it was an opportunity his son had to accept.

He said: "It is unbelievable and I really could not believe it when the Bolton guy rang and talked to me about Chris.

"It is something he has worked for and desperately wants to do so we will support him. It is all part of his dream and we could not stand in the way.

"You have to live your dream, and if something comes of it then brilliant."