Artistic schoolboy wins trip to watch Walsall at Wembley

Daniel Ryder, aged seven, of Delves Junior School, came up with the best artwork for a Design A Shirt competition organized by the cup sponsors.

Hundreds of primary school children from across the borough submitted entries for a chance to win a seat for the big game.

But the judges were so impressed with Daniel's idea for a football shirt that commemorates the paint company's 125th anniversary. It also features saddles in a nod to the town's leather industry and football club's nickname.

His top prize includes four Wembley tickets, an official Johnstone's Paint Trophy football and a Walsall FC football shirt to help him cheer on the team at the national stadium.

Representatives from the business also took the coveted silver cup the school, in Bell Lane, Delves, to give the eager children a close-up look of it.

Johnstone's Paint brand and sponsorship manager Ben Wilde said: "We were overwhelmed by the number of entries we received and the standard of the designs.

"There are clearly a lot of very talented youngsters in Walsall but Daniel's design stood out and showed very impressive detail.

"We asked the children to consider incorporating the number 125 in their designs as this is a very special landmark anniversary year for Johnstone's Paint.

"We hope Daniel and his family enjoy a fantastic day at Wembley supporting Walsall in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final."

Delves Junior School's business manager Vanessa Wain said: "The children really enjoyed getting creative in the Johnstone's Paint Design a Shirt competition.

"There were some excellent entries and we're delighted for Daniel. Let's hope he sees Walsall lifting the Trophy at Wembley."