TROWBRIDGE teenager Mark Birchall will lead his favourite team out in front of millions of television viewers on Sunday.

Mark, 13, has been a Blackburn Rovers fan since he was four, sticking with the Lancashire side through thick and thin.

Now his dedication has paid off with an invitation to be the team's mascot for Sunday's Barclaycard Premiership match against Leeds United at Ewood Park.

"We inquired about Mark being a mascot several years ago, but there's a long waiting list and his name has only just got to the top," said mum Alison.

"I'm very proud of him because he has stuck with Blackburn through thick and thin. We have no family connection with Blackburn, but he started supporting them when he was young and has stuck with them. It will be a great moment for him on Sunday.

"Through Mark's interest I've become a big Blackburn fan as well so I'm as thrilled as he is."

Mark will be the guest of honour at Ewwod Park on Sunday and will meet the Blackburn players and tour the home dressing room before leading the team out onto the pitch.

Alison said: "I'll be going with him, but unfortunately I won't be allowed to go into the dressing rooms, that's male only, which is disappointing."

Mark, a pupil at John of Gaunt School, Trowbridge, plays for Trowbridge Wanderers.

Older brother Gary is a Manchester United fan and plays for Trowbridge Town Youth and younger brother Craig is a Liverpool fan and also plays for Trowbridge Wanderers.

"Like most boys, they eat, drink and sleep football and I'm almost as keen. The only one in the family not so keen on football is my husband Wyatt."