Lucky mascot Lauren steps into the spotlight at match
Excited was not the word for when Lauren Baseley stepped out on to the pitch tonight as one of the mascots of Shrewsbury Town's crunch match against Manchester United.
The six-year-old from Newport was picked to step out on to the turf at the Greenhous Meadow with the team prior to the kick off.
And watching proudly on from the stands was father Simon, 45, a senior surveyor, and mum Tina, 43.
Lauren is no stranger to being centre of attention. Since her photo alongside Town manager Micky Mellon and the FA Cup appeared on the front page of the Shropshire Star last week she has been approached in the street and has even been spotted in her local supermarket.
Prior to the game the family were treated like VIPs, with a tour behind the scenes at the ground and the chance to meet with some of the players.
"Lauren has thoroughly enjoyed all the attention," said Tina. "She was so excited in the build-up to the match.
"She had never been to a stadium full of people before and was a little apprehensive. But once she was in there she was absolutely fine.
"She was a bit shy at first but that soon went. She was fine with the footballers and she took it all in her stride.
"Since her photo appeared in the paper she has received lots of messages from her friends saying well done.
"They were all very jealous of her and she was even spotted in the supermarket.
"It was a wonderful experience for her and something she will remember for a long time."
Lauren, who goes to Newport Infants School, is a massive football fan.
She loves to take part in training sessions and mini-matches at Shrewsbury Town's Down's Syndrome Football Group.
Last week she got the chance to meet Mr Mellon as well as to hold the FA Cup itself.
"She loves to play football and she loves the training sessions," added Tina.
"But her favourite part is when she scores a goal."
