A FOOTBALL mascot is pleading with his club to give him a second chance after being arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs.

Lee Kelly, 34, who has dressed up as Darlington Football Club mascot Mr Q at home matches, was suspended from his voluntary position before Saturday's home game against Kidderminster Harriers.

He told The Northern Echo last night that the suspension, until the outcome of police inquiries, had devastated him.

"I have never had a criminal record. I'm just a genuine working lad," he said.

"I can understand why the club have done it, but I want to ask if there would be any chance of them reinstating me as the club mascot. I'm very sorry about what's happened."

Mr Kelly, a labourer, from Haughton, in the town, has been volunteering as Mr Q for about six months.

He appears at home games and says he has visited local schools to do penalty shoot-outs with pupils.

"I have been a Quakers fan all my life - I bleed black and white," he said.

"I just love doing it and I get on great with the kids and enjoy having a laugh with them. I really hope they'll take me back."

Mr Kelly has been bailed to return to Darlington police station on Friday.

A Darlington Football Club spokesman said: "Any further decisions on this situation will be made following the resolution of the police inquiries."