A DRUGS squad officer is to lay down the law at the final of the world's oldest football competition.

Detective Constable Jim Devine, of Middlesbrough, will be assistant referee when Manchester United and Arsenal meet for the Cup Final clash in Cardiff next month.

The 43-year-old took the surprise call from the Football Association on his birthday.

He said: "You only ever get to do this once, and the invitation came completely out of the blue. I was simply asked if I was available. No one had said anything to me, so I had not got any hopes built up. It was absolutely wonderful."

The officer has been with the force for 11 years, and has been refereeing since he was 19.

He has risen from officiating his first game at St Bede's Juniors, Thornaby, in the Tees and Cleveland Junior League, to officiating at the former Wembley stadium and now the Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff.

He said: "You remember the first time you walk out at places like Newcastle, Liverpool, Highbury and Leeds, simply because they are something different.

"Most occasions, like derby matches at Manchester and Merseyside, and the Tyne-Tees derby, are marvellous, but this cup final will be something special."

The final will be played before 72,000 people, and will be watched on television by millions worldwide.