A WIRRAL schoolboy saw his dreams come true when he strolled out onto the pitch at Wembley on Saturday.

Charlie Nelson, from Birkenhead, was given the chance of a lifetime to be a Stoke City player’s mascot at the FA Cup Final against Manchester City.

He won his place after mum, Lisa, filled in an online survey from energy company E-On.

And the seven-year-old was delighted when he found out he would walk hand-in-hand with Wirral-born Jonathan Walters.

His mum, Lisa, said: "It was a real money-can't-buy experience, he was the envy of boys young and old and everyone, win or lose, had a fabulous day.

"My husband and I did not have the honour of being behind the scenes before the match so we waited nervously for him to appear from the tunnel.

"I am not sure if Jon was aware that Charlie was a local lad but we were thrilled when he walked out holding his hand because he was the player we had hoped that he would be paired with.

"The atmosphere was amazing! He was allowed to keep the strip he wore on the day, and he is now a big Stoke fan."