Do you know Sammy the Shrimp? If you don't, then you soon will!

Sammy alias accountant Darren Posnack, is set for television stardom when a new series hits the small screen.

Darren, 26, of Gordon Road, Southend, will be one of the stars when ITV launches its new series, Metroland, next month.

The life-long Blues fan, who was born in Southend, has been Southend United's mascot for the past four years.

For every home match, he ditches his image as a serious, hard-working accountant to parade around the Roots Hall pitch dressed up as giant Sammy the Shrimp or even Leo the Lion - the club's other mascot.

But Darren loves his hobby of supporting the Shrimpers, which is more important to him than either girlfriends or mates.

He said: "I was absolutely delighted when the advertising team let me dress up as the team's mascot for the first time.

"My friends think it is a bit sad, but they don't understand. When I go out on the pitch people call out my name, they all know me, and it is such a fantastic feeling. There is nothing like it. All the team know me as well and they think what I do is great."

But he is astounded that he could become a star. He said: "I just can't believe I am actually going to be on TV.

"My mum, Lorraine, is very excited about the programme, but it only really hit me I was going to be on TV when I went to London to see the previews. They were fantastic and loads of people came up to me and said I should go into television.

"Maybe I'll have my own show by the end of the year."

Darren will be appearing in the second episode of Carlton's new series on Tuesday, October 6 with three other football teams' mascots.

Metroland is a six-part series which deals with the lives of "ordinary" people living in and around London.

The programme starring Darren concentrates on football mascots.

Darren said: "I think my episode is the most light-hearted, the others deal with more serious issues such as single mothers and what it is like working in the police."

By ISABEL GOMPERTZ

Picture, top: Think pink ... Blues' mascot Sammy the Shrimp, alias Darren Posnack is set for television stardom.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.