It was a day to remember for a football-mad youngster as he stood in the midst of some of the sport’s biggest names at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.

After his mother Kerry won a competition, six-year-old Alfie Rich was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a mascot at the last 16 Champions League match between the Blues and Barcelona in February.

Alfie, who lives in Worlingham and is actually a big Norwich City fan, travelled down to London with his mum before the time finally came to stand alongside footballing royalty.

“It was absolutely amazing to win the competition,” said Ms Rich. “Alfie was really nervous beforehand but, after walking out onto the pitch, he was over the moon and really full of it!

“Although all the children were definitely dreaming of going out with Lionel Messi, Alfie was really pleased to walk out with the Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba and we could see him smiling and looking up to him.”