A RADCLIFFE youngster had the experience of a lifetime as he stepped on to the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium with his Manchester United heroes.

Reuben Carrington, eight, was a mascot for the Red Devils as they lifted the FA Community Shield earlier this month.

The Our Lady of Grace RC Primary School, Prestwich, pupil walked out in front of 80,000 fans alongside his new hero, midfielder Michael Carrick.

Reuben said: “I had so much fun walking out in front of my friends and family on to the Wembley pitch.

“My friends and I are huge football fans and they were so happy for me. It was a dream come true for me.”

It was the youngster’s first experience of Wembley Stadium — and his dad Paul Carrington, 43, said Reuben started feeling the pressure.

Although Reuben’s dad is a big Liverpool fan, he said: “I am still very proud of him. He did well. It was his first time at Wembley and he was a bit apprehensive when he saw the stadium and how many fans there were — but he soon settled down.”

Reuben’s day got even better when he was told he was allowed to keep his kit, and with a family meal he celebrated escorting his side to victory.

Mr Carrington, an accountant, of Stand Lane, admits it is hard being a Liverpool fan living in Radcliffe, with two of his three sons supporting Manchester United and the other following Manchester City.

He said: “We ended the day with a family meal with my two other sons, who were very jealous of their brother.”

Reuben claimed the chance to be a mascot by winning a competition on the McDonald’s Better Play website.

Sir Geoff Hurst, McDonald’s director of football, said: “Having the chance to walk out at Wembley at such a highly anticipated match is something any football fan would dream of doing.

“I have had the honour of walking out in front of thousands of fans and it is an unforgettable experience, and I am sure Reuben felt the same.

“It is a fantastic experience to walk out with someone you look up to.”