He is one of the best-known characters in Cumbrian football.

And Bradley Hodgson has now thanked all Penrith’s opponents and the Northern League for their remarkable gestures in his final season as club mascot.

Ever since Bradley announced this would be his last campaign leading out his beloved Penrith, clubs have responded in their droves.

Each of Penrith’s Division One opponents have presented him with a special personalised shirt during the campaign.

The Northern League itself also had a special Penrith shirt made for Bradley as a tribute to his 17 years of service.

His final game of a run of more than 500 matches as mascot was Penrith’s 4-1 defeat to Seaham Red Star at Frenchfield Park on Saturday.

Seaham completed his collection of shirts - like others, it features the number 17 to commemorate his years as mascot - while the league's referees also presented Bradley with a special shirt.

Bradley told the News & Star he was very grateful for the kindness of clubs and the league.

“It’s been an emotional journey,” he said of his decision to step down as mascot.

News and Star: Bradley with the shirt presented to him by Ashington - since when other clubs have followed suitBradley with the shirt presented to him by Ashington - since when other clubs have followed suit

“I love this club to bits. My dad and grandad used to play here and I’d like to pay tribute to my dad and mum to say thank you for their support.

“I feel very happy about all the shirts. I also need to thank the Northern League – I’ve asked mum to produce a letter thanking all the teams at the end of the season.

“I’ll still be coming down to support Penrith, but being a mascot for this club was one of my dreams.”

Bradley’s long association with Penrith dates back to their final seasons at their former Southend Road ground.

Since then he has been a regular and well-known figure at Frenchfield Park following the club’s relocation in 2009.

He has become a popular figure throughout the Northern League, with Ashington setting the ball rolling with the shirt tributes this season.

Bradley has gone on to amass a large collection from the various clubs. Some of them are on display at Penrith, but he added: “When I sort my wardrobe out at home, I will be wearing them all.”

News and Star: Bradley, who has been Penrith mascot for 17 years, is one of Cumbrian football's best-known figuresBradley, who has been Penrith mascot for 17 years, is one of Cumbrian football's best-known figures

Bradley’s mum and dad, Kim and Stuart, have long been involved behind the scenes at Penrith.

Kim said: “All the teams who’ve given him shirts have had nothing but nice words.

“The things they’ve said to me and Stuart just make us feel so proud.

“A lot of people know Bradley as Mr Penrith and whenever we go away with the team, other committee members and players all know him.”

Bradley, who has Down’s Syndrome, also regularly interviews Penrith’s manager and players after games.

The club’s chairman Brian Williams said: “I’m sure Penrith Football Club has been a blessing to Bradley and his mum and dad, who’ve played a big part in the club.

“He’s a character not just at the club but within the whole of the Northern League as well.”