A YOUNG Newcastle United supporter who helped police clear up after the recent Tyne-Wear derby match has been chosen as the team’s mascot for their home game against Manchester City.

Die-hard fan, Tyler Heaviside from Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, was the subject of a public appeal by officers after he was spotted on CCTV clearing up rolls of police tape outside St. James’ Park following the Tyne-Wear clash.

The Northern Echo:

Now, the seven-year-old will return to the stadium as a special guest and will lead the teams out before the Premier League fixture with the Blues on Tuesday, April 19.

His mother, Leanne Palethorpe, said she was really proud of Tyler for using his good manners and did not realise her son had become an internet sensation until she saw it on Facebook.

She said the whole family, including dad, Keith and brother Roman, 13, are season ticket holders and would normally have left with the other fans but Mr Palethorpe hurt his leg during the match, so waited with the boys until she went to get the car.

“He did it all off his own back at the match,” she said.

“He was there 20 minutes getting the tape off and helping the policeman and then I came back with the car. It was not until the Tuesday that Keith mentioned the appeal to me.”

Mrs Palethorpe, 41, added: “To be honest we cannot believe how much it’s taken off and the comments were just unbelievable – it’s nice because normally on Derby day there’s always a bad report but this just put Newcastle in the limelight again for something positive.”

Tyler visited St. James’ Park with his mum on Thursday (April 7), where he received a signed Newcastle United football from Sergeant Neil Pacey, of the Northumbria Police football neighbourhood policing team.

Speaking about the experience Tyler, who wants to play for the Magpies when he’s older, said: “My favourite bit was getting to go on the pitch and when I got the signed ball.

“I’m nervous about being the mascot because it’s in front of 50,000 people but I’m going on the pitch with my dad.”

Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent, Steve Neill, said: "Tyler played his part in what was a very successful day and deserves recognition for spending part of his afternoon helping our officers outside the stadium.

"It is only right that he is rewarded and I hope he thoroughly enjoys walking out with his team at St James’ Park. We want a say a big thank you to him from Northumbria Police.”