A PAIR of schoolboys are enjoying a trip to Italy after they won a competition.
Robbie Hanratty, 15, from Eston, Middlesbrough, and 14-year-old Ben Gee, from Billingham, near Stockton, jetted off for their allexpenses- paid trip on Sunday after they were selected from 10,500 Middlesbrough football fans who voted on the team's latest home shirt design.
Having flown from Manchester, they are enjoying a two-night stay in Parma and Milan, courtesy of Middlesbrough and club kit supplier Errea.
In Parma, they visited the Errea factory to see the team's 2008-9 shirts being made. They also visited the training ground of Serie A side Parma, and are returning home today.
Robbie has been accompanied by his grandfather, Peter Lyon. Ben has travelled with his father, Keith. Mr Lyon said: "Robbie is thrilled to bits about the trip. He is Boro-mad and is really excited about seeing next season's Boro shirts being made."
Ben, who is just back from a family holiday in Malta, is the envy of his friends at Northfields School, in Billingham.
Boro's 2008-9 design will be revealed before the end of this season. By popular vote, it will include the white chestband that was last seen in 2006-7.
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