A FOOTBALL-MAD youngster is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and live out the dream of every young boy.

Ten-year-old, Mark Howley adores football and everything associated with it, and constantly dreams of becoming a star player in the Premier League.

However, if that dream does not come true he would like to be able to step into his grandfather Kevin's boots and become a top referee or linesman.

Mr Howley, from Billingham, was the youngest man to referee an FA Cup Final, between Wolves and Blackburn in 1960, aged 35 and was also a linesman during the 1966 World Cup.

He began his refereeing career during the Second World War whilst in the Royal Navy. After the war ended, he took his referee's certificate in 1946 and five years later was running the line in the football league.

Mr Howley, who died aged 73, in July 1997, was also on FIFA's list of referees from 1957 to 1971 and in this time travelled the world to officiate games.

After retiring at the age of 47, Mr Howley then went on to work at ICI as a records clerk.

His proud grandson, Mark, also from Billingham and a pupil at the town's Holy Rosary School, is hardly ever seen without a football or something associated with the sport. He is one of the school's top players and can regularly be caught living out the dream of playing for his favourite team Manchester United.

Mark said: I would like to do something in football when I am older. If I can't be a player than I would like to be like my grand-dad and become a referee. I have his medals and pictures and they are some of my favourite things.

"I would love to play in the FA Cup Final and so would most of my friends. My grand-dad was really lucky to be given the chance to referee a FA Cup match.

"I am very proud of what he did and hope I can follow in his footsteps."

Updated 15.20, Thursday, July 12