AN inspired 12-year-old has earned his school a visit from american footballers.

Harry Hornsby, of Manningtree High School, set the ball rolling when his year seven classmates were each asked to give a presentation about their hobbies.

His was about american football and afterwards, one of his impressed teachers contacted the Colchester Gladiators, who accepted an invitation to spend a day at the school.

Now Harry, of Little Bromley, even has the one-off chance to be a mascot for the team.

He said: "I have been into american football for a few years and like it because it is a bit different."

He has only ever seen the sport played on the television but is looking forward to going to the States soon, where he can collect merchandise of his favourite team, the Denver Broncos.

Yesterday, the Gladiators came to the school and personally kitted Harry out with his T-shirt and shoulder pads to wear to the game at Wivenhoe Town Football Club, when he is mascot.

"I am pretty happy about being a mascot and looking forward to going to the match on Saturday with my dad," he added.

Pupils from years seven to ten also spent the day in sessions learning the rules and skills of the sport.