A BENFLEET youngster will fulfil her dreams when she leads out England in their Euro 2016 match against Slovakia tonight.

Laura Fairey, from Benfleet, won a competition run by Kia Motors and The Sun newspaper, making her one of two lucky children to lead out Roy Hodgson’s men in their final Group B game at this summer’s competition.

Laura, 11, will carry the ball onto the pitch at the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard Stadium, in Saint-Etienne in front of a worldwide audience of millions having enjoyed the life of a sports star in the run up to kick-off.

To win the prize mum Toni Fordham had to submit Laura’s footballing story, and describe her return to fitness after the West Ham United youngster was diagnosed with a serious condition early in her career.

“Dreams do come true,” said Toni. “They said Laura had won from literally thousands of entries but it was her passion, dedication, determination and love for the game that won it for her. When I told Laura the news she was over the moon. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and she feels very lucky and privileged.

“Laura has been playing football since the age of five. She tried other hobbies, but football is her passion and what she has stuck with. She is a real team player and enjoys challenging herself.

“Last May, Laura was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter Disease [a painful condition which affects the upper part of the shin bone]. She had a particularly bad bout of the condition and was referred to a specialist, undergoing months of physiotherapy. Laura was devastated.”

However, Laura is now back on the football pitch much to her mum’s delight and will be given the star treatment in France.

Toni flew to Lyon with Laura yesterday, having been taken to their hotel by a UEFA chaperone.

Laura will arrive at the stadium at 2pm this afternoon to receive her official uniform, participate in interviews and photographs and run through a rehearsal of her duties for that evening, before settling down to cheer on the Three Lions.

“I’m pleased to say she is back to full fitness,” said Toni. “She has continued to play regular football this season and has learnt to manage the condition.

“She was determined she was not going to let this stop her from doing what she loves.”