A DREAM came true for football mad Remi Cooper this Saturday when he walked out with Blues captain Adam Barrett before the team's match against Northampton.

Remi, 12, from Great Wakering, was chosen by staff at Little Havens Children's Hospice to be the team's mascot for the day.

He has Duchene muscular dystrophy and sometimes has to use a wheelchair, but he walked with Barrett on to Southend United's pitch leading the team out. Southend eventually drew with Northampton Town 1-1.

The opportunity was set up by the Echo as we sponsor the East stand and choose a handful of mascots each season.

Remi was thrilled with the experience, from meeting the players to kicking a football himself at the Roots Hall ground.

He said: "We got changed into our kits and were allowed into the players' changing rooms to ask for their autographs.

"We then had a kick-around on the pitch before walking out from the tunnel for the actual game. I walked out with Adam Barrett because I'd met him before at Little Havens and he is my favourite player.

"My family came with me too and I really enjoyed the whole day, especially being able to watch the match."

He has been going to Havens for respite breaks for almost a year.

Mum Mandy Cooper, 36, from Great Wakering, said: "Being invited to the match has opened up a new world for us. His condition can be quite isolating, but sitting and watching football means we can still take part in a sociable environment, surrounded by people.

"It was exciting watching Remi walk on to the pitch with Adam. It's great that Southend United are taking the time to help children like Remi and raise money for Little Havens."

Remi, a pupil at King Edmund School, last year helped raise funds for the hospice with his drawing of David Beckham raising £750 at auction in a children's art exhibition in London.

Mr Barrett, Southend United captain and centre back, said: "It was a real pleasure to lead him out for the game. He's brilliant and it was nice to see him out there."