A Stotfold dad who has supported Luton Town all his life got a memorable 50th birthday surprise on Saturday when he was told just before kick-off to kit up and lead the team out.

The Comet: Lifelong Luton fan Paul Bacon from Stotfold poses with his mascot's shirt and goalkeeper Liam Gooch. Photo: Gareth OwenLifelong Luton fan Paul Bacon from Stotfold poses with his mascot's shirt and goalkeeper Liam Gooch. Photo: Gareth Owen (Image: Archant)

Paul Bacon, whose son Charlie is friends with Luton goalkeeper Liam Gooch, suspected something might be up when his wife Clare came to the match – and so it proved when club staff whisked him away from the Eric Morecambe Lounge.

“I thought maybe I’m going to meet some players,” said Paul. “Then they gave me all the kit and said I had five minutes to get changed. I laughed, nearly cried.

“The other mascot was 10. We had a bit of a kickabout, but I don’t think I impressed enough to get a contract.

“To lead Luton out was such an honour. Everyone at the club was tremendous, as were Liam and my family – my wife Clare, my son Charlie, my brother James, my dad Roy and my nephew Daniel – and of course Dickie and all my other friends.”

The Comet: Lifelong Luton fan Paul Bacon from Stotfold, centre, leads the team out before Saturday's game against Doncaster Rovers. Photo: Gareth OwenLifelong Luton fan Paul Bacon from Stotfold, centre, leads the team out before Saturday's game against Doncaster Rovers. Photo: Gareth Owen (Image: Archant)

Luton won the game against Doncaster Rovers 3-1, and afterwards Paul was presented with a signed match programme.

Liam said afterwards: “I’m chuffed to bits with how it went. It was such a great day for him.”

The Comet: Luton mascot Paul Bacon from Stotfold poses with Happy Harry. Photo: Gareth OwenLuton mascot Paul Bacon from Stotfold poses with Happy Harry. Photo: Gareth Owen (Image: Archant)