A YOUNG football fan was flying the flag for his home team on Saturday after winning a North-west competition.

Robert Tuppen, aged 12, had the chance of a lifetime when he paraded around the Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium carrying a flag he designed.

The Bridgewater School pupil entered a Coca-Cola competition through radio station Century 105.4 FM, which invited children between the ages of eight and 12 to design a flag for the football team of their choice.

Robert's winning design involved the Whites' logo in the centre, surrounded by 15 national flags to represent the team's international players.

Part of his prize was to parade a full-size version of his design, measuring 12 feet by 10 feet, on to the pitch before Saturday's Premiership match against Portsmouth.

Robert was accompanied by six runners-up, before settling into his executive box with his father, Simon.

Robert, of Oakworth Drive, Sharples, said: "When I started doing some research on the internet and looking at old programmes, I realised that the team had lots of international players and wanted to do something that showed that.

"I was excited to find out I had won and think some of my friends are jealous!

"I was a bit nervous going on the pitch, but it was really exciting."

Mr Tuppen said: "I'm pleased his hard work paid off. It was his own idea and he put a lot of effort into it.

"His seven-year-old brother, James, was disappointed he couldn't enter too."

His mum, Linda, said: "We were both very proud of him, I had the video camera and his dad had the still camera! He had a wonderful day."

GRAND DESIGN: Robert Tuppen, on Lofty the Lion's left, joins youngsters from the Junior Whites to display their winning flag before Saturday's match against Portsmouth