THE last time Martin Boylett went to Wembley, he was a spectator as Darlington lost the Third Division play-off final in 2000.

Now, he's back for the FA Cup Final - but this time he won't be sitting in the stands, he will be in the sky.

Corporal Boylett, a lifelong Darlington fan, who is part of the Red Arrows display team, will be in one of nine planes that will stage a dramatic fly-past ten minutes before today's kick-off between Chelsea and Manchester United.

The 38-year-old, originally from Staindrop, County Durham, hopes his latest trip to Wembley will be happier than his previous two.

"I went to the old Wembley twice, in 1996 and 2000, for the play-off games, which we lost," he said. "They were disappointing - but this time I don't have a team playing, so I can enjoy it all the more."

Cpl Boylett now lives in Lincolnshire, but his parents live in Faverdale, Darlington. His brother and father are also ardent Quakers fans.

Wembley is the latest in a series of adventures for Cpl Boylett. In his three seasons with the Red Arrows, he has performed over the Acropolis, in Greece, at London's Olympic bid celebrations, and for the Queen's birthday.

Of the Wembley performance, he said: "We got word about eight weeks ago, and we have been looking forward to it since then. It's exciting because we know we are going to be part of something big.

"It's a massive chance for us to promote the Red Arrows and the RAF. Hopefully, we can get back in time to catch some of the game on TV."

Unlike the two FA cup finalists, Darlington's cup run this season ended early in December, when they lost 3-1 at home to Swansea City in the second round.

Cpl Boylett, who attends as many games as possible, thinks Quakers boss Dave Penney can rejuvenate the team that finished eleventh in League Two this season.

"I really hope he can turn things round," he said.

"Changing the manager half way through last season wasn't going to be good for getting into the play-offs. But if he can get a few decent signings we can have a good season next year."