A TEENAGE boy's dream came true when he met Sunderland boss Bob Murray.

Phillip Marshall's tireless work for his community earned the admiration of the Sunderland chairman, who had asked to meet him.

The meeting took place during Sunday's clash with Chelsea and was the icing on the cake for the 13-year-old Sunderland fan, from The Grove, in Consett, who has earned a string of awards for his community work.

Phillip is one of a growing number of young people involved in a project working with communities across Derwentside.

Spice was launched in 2001 with the aim of interesting young people in democracy and community issues.

Phillip is chairman of his local youth forum and one of the youngest members ever to be voted on to the national Youth Parliament.

He said: "A lot of exciting things have happened to me recently. I have become a youth MP and was given a citizenship award at my school and now I have met Bob Murray. Life couldn't be better."

Mr Murray, who took the helm at Roker Park in 1986, said: "I was brought up in the Grove. I have great memories that will live with me for ever, and I'm immensely proud to be from Derwentside.

"I sincerely hope Philip goes on to outdo my achievements. He's made an excellent start and that needs to be acknowledged, hence my invitation to him to attend the game as our guest."