A FOOTBALL fan has started the new year happily after scooping a free match ticket and signed memorabilia from his favourite team.

When life-long Manchester City supporter Michael Hemsley said that his ultimate dream was to see his team play at their new home ground, little did he imagine he would get his chance.

The 30-year-old, from Darlington, has battled with mobility problems, learning disabilities and epilepsy.

Charity Dimensions, which provides 24-hour support for Mr Hemsley, got in touch with the club to see if special arrangements could be made to help him achieve his dream.

The club helped to make the arrangements to enable Michael to attend a match, and be transported to the second level of the ground.

The club also got a free ticket and discounted tickets for him and his support workers, match day programmes, signed photos of the squad and a photo of star striker Carlos Tevez.

Helen McMullan, team manager of Dimensions, said: "Michael has never attended a Manchester City home game and had been asking to go to their new ground, the City of Manchester Stadium.

"When we called the club they went the extra mile in organising everything to enable Michael to go along and they made it an excellent day for him.

"We cannot thank the club enough.

"Michael loved his day and rang his father from the ground during the game to talk him through the match."