PROUD new dad Chris Mason is hoping to end an unforgettable week by lifting the FA Carlsberg Vase at Wembley this Saturday.

The 26-year-old defender can now concentrate on helping Spennymoor Town defeat opponents Tunbridge Wells in the final - without having to worry about a possible mad long distance dash to the delivery room.

For fiance Beau-Louise Morton, 25, gave birth to their 6lb 12oz son Fredrik 'Freddie' Mason in Darlington Memorial Hospital on Wednesday (May 1) at 6.56pm.

Chris, a residential care worker from Newton Aycliffe, said: "I was always going to go to Wembley. The plan was to go down, and if Beau went into labour I'd hot-foot it back to the North-East.

"Luckily Freddie has come nice and early which means I can go to Wembley and it will hopefully be a double celebration.

"It's been an unforgettable week already. I've become a dad for the first time and three days later will play at Wembley for the first time.

"What is it the adverts say? If Carlsberg did weeks, this would probably be the best in the world!

"I must admit, it does put everything into perspective. As soon as I saw Freddie, it was an emotional moment, and I had a little cry.

"It's a fantastic feeling. Now I'm hoping to finish the week off by lifting the FA Vase on Saturday!"

Tickets for the final cost £15 for adults and £5 for under-16's and can still be obtained from The FA.com/tickets or by calling 0844-980-0656.

Return coach travel is £20 which can be booked through Spennymoor Town FC's Wembley Club hop, next to the town hall, which is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or at spennymoortownfc.co.uk