There was a surprise for six-year-old Hayden Launders during an assembly at Fountaindale School, Mansfield, when it was announced he had been chosen by Teachers UK to receive a full mascot day at Mansfield Town FC.

Assistant head Jan Collins said the senior leadership team nominated Hayden because “although he’s still very young himself, he is a great role model to the younger children who join our school.

“We have always known that Hayden is a bright little boy, but now he has an iPad to use as his voice he is showing us just how much progress he can actually make.”

Andrew Rogers, operations manager at Teachers UK, education recruitment specialists based at the I-Centre, Mansfield, said it was a difficult task for his team to choose just one winner.

“Hayden’s involvement in a football workshop Every Player Counts, delivered by Mansfield Town, made him stand out as the deserving winner.”

Hayden received a signed football shirt and football during his visit, and led the Stags the team on to the pitch.”

Hayden’s dad, Gary, added: “Hayden has come on leaps and bounds in the past couple of years and it’s great that he is being recognised for that.

“He will have a great day and it is a great opportunity for him.”

Pictured are Steve Truman, SEN consultant at Teachers UK; Jordan Ferrer, Football In The Community assistant community officer at Mansfield Town, Hayden Launders and Andrew Rogers.