Football fan Max Phinn was thrilled to meet his hero and take to the pitch at Brunton Park for the first time as he helped raise awareness about Down's Syndrome.

Blues season ticket holder Max, who is nine, was among the children from the Cumbria Down's Syndrome Support Group who formed a guard of honour for the teams in Saturday's clash against Crewe Alexandra.

Before the game, Max joined other young fans in Carlisle United's family zone where he met striker Jabo Ibehre.

Max's mum Julie, of Durdar, said: "Me, Max and his brothers Ryan and Owen are season ticket holders and we come to all the home games and we travel to a few too.

"This was Max's first time on the pitch but beforehand he got to meet his hero, Jabo, in the family zone. Max was completely starstruck. At first he starting chanting Jabo's name and then went all shy before he finally got a hug from him."

She added: "Max loved the day, apart from when the sprinklers got us when we were on the grass. He was waving his flag like the rest of them."

Max was among a 15-strong group of children with Down's Syndrome and their siblings.

They were granted the honour of providing the players' guard of honour thanks to a new link Mrs Phinn has forged with the club.

She recently joined its new inclusion group which is identifying ways of improving access and facilities for disabled supporters.

Wendy Jepkes chairs the Cumbria Down's Syndrome Support Group, which meets on a monthly basis at the Sainsbury's supermarket in Caldewgate, Carlisle.

It supports about 60 families across the county.

Wendy, who lives near Rockcliffe, said: "Saturday was a hugely important day for the families that took part.

"We're always looking for opportunities for our families to do activities together and for children to do with their siblings. Often siblings play second fiddle when you have a child with special needs which is why Saturday was so important. It was great for them to do something together."

Wendy was joined on the pitch by her children Mia, Dylan and Beau.

Saturday's guard of honour was held during Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week, which ended yesterday (SUN) . This year's theme has been "My Voice, My Community".

Wendy said: "We can't thank Carlisle United enough for allowing us to be a part of its community and for including the children in the day. They all really enjoyed it."

Those who wish to support or seek advice from the Cumbria Down's Syndrome Support Group can email at cardowns@hotmail.co.uk.