A FATHER from Waltham Abbey surprised his children with a once-in-a-lifetime experience of being Tottenham Hotspur mascots.

Michael Purton, of Round-hills, started taking his children, Kieran, 13, and Charlotte, ten, to home matches at White Hart Lane three years ago.

They all became season ticket holders and die-hard Spurs fans, and Kieran and Charlotte were delighted when they discovered that they would be mascots for the Premiership club's recent UEFA Cup match at home to Getafe.

Mr Purton said: "Sometime back I asked whether they'd do something for my son's birthday, which is on Boxing Day.

"They put it in the programme and it was a great surprise for him.

"I hadn't thought anymore of it, and then just got a call out of the blue asking if both the children would like to be team mascots for the match against the Spanish team Getafe."

The pair joined nine other mascots, getting to meet their favourite players and holding the hand of one of the players as they walked onto the pitch.

Mr Purton said: "I wanted to keep it a surprise. Their nan - my mum - passed away recently and it had really upset them, so you couldn't have planned the timing for this any better.

"They were really close to their nan so really needed their spirits lifting."

He added: "Everything went to plan, they really, really enjoyed it and even got on the television.

"The whole family could see them coming out the tunnel; it was really exciting.

"My son was unbelievably nervous whereas my daughter just strolled out with her head held high.

"They both really enjoyed it and even managed to get autographs from the players.

"They looked really smart in their kit, and it was a brilliant experience."