FOOTBALL fan Darren Tompkins helped to raise £1,000 in a charity auction to meet Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira.
The club hosted an auction in aid of ChildLine.
Members of the Arsenal Supporters' Club had a chance to have a photo taken with Patrick Vieira, the captain of the FA Cup holders, with the cup.
Darren, 38, of Cricklade, who is manager of the Swindon-based Tom Gallagher Group, was one of the top five bidders.
He and other Arsenal enthusiasts helped raise £1,000 for ChildLine, which provides free 24-hour helpline for children and young people.
As well as taking part in the auction, the Arsenal midfielder was also invited to see ChildLine's work in action and caught up with some of its helpline counsellors in a tour of the charity's counselling service.
Mr Tompkins has supported Arsenal since childhood.
He said: "It was brilliant to meet Patrick Vieira, he is one of the greatest ever Arsenal players, definitely in the top three.
"And to hold the FA Cup itself, with all the history behind it, was a fantastic experience.
"It was all in a good cause as well which is great."
Patrick said: 'It is fantastic to be able to witness for myself all the hard work that goes into making this charity work so well."
The ChildLine number is 0800 1111. For more information log on to www.childline.org.uk
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