A budding Benfleet soccer star has made it through to the finals of a football competition run by the world's biggest club - Manchester United.

Chris Reed, who attends the town's Jotmans Hall primary school, was one of four boys to receive a special invite up to the Red Devils' Old Trafford home, following an impressive display of skills at the European Champions' official soccer school.

The 10-year-old, who lives in Romsey Road, will take part in a special training session in Manchester run by the treble-winners' top coaches - with the opportunity of winning a place in the Premiership giants' schoolboy team.

"Chris has done so well to get this far and I'm very proud of him," said Chris' dad, Keith. "Now I hope he can do the business again when we travel to Manchester in the near future."

Chris, who plays in midfield for local junior side Belvedere, won his dream trip to Manchester after attending a football training camp run by United at Chelmsford's Newhall School recently.

More than 100 youngsters flocked to the soccer school, were they were taught basic skills of the game, including dribbling, long and short passing and ball juggling.

Chris impressed the coaches with his individual technique and received an offer to visit Manchester for an advanced soccer lesson.

"United hold these courses across the UK and pick out the best boys for a special training camp in Manchester," added Keith.

"Chris has done so well to shine in the Chelmsford heat above 130 other youngsters and I'm sure that he'll give a good account of himself in Manchester.

"It's just nice to be going up there, but if he does well there is a chance that United will take him on their schoolboy books.

"But whatever happens, he can be proud of himself, because he has been singled out for his football ability by the biggest club side in the whole world."

Chris, who booked his place in Manchester competing against other boys up to three-years his senior, will also be given free tickets to attend a live Premiership match at Old Trafford.

Tricks of the trade - Benfleet's Chris Reed displays his ball control

(Right)Sitting pretty - 10-year-old Chris Reed is hoping to impress coaching staff at Old Trafford

Pictures: LUAN MARSHALL

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