A YOUNG boy who was born the same week Boro TV was launched was a guest of honour at their fifth birthday party yesterday.

Kristian Upwards was invited to cut the specially-designed cake to celebrate the anniversary of the Middlesbrough FC-dedicated channel, which was launched in 1998.

The Osmotherley Primary School pupil is a huge fan of Roary the Lion and he was delighted when the club mascot greeted him.

They met at the Boro TV studios at NTL headquarters on Stockton's Preston Farm Business Park for the recording of the anniversary programme yesterday.

"His favourite player is Maccarone, but he is Roary mad," said his father, Greg.

"He is absolutely made up at being invited to appear on Boro TV and has been telling the world he is going to be a star."

In return for performing the ceremony, Kristian got a number five Boro shirt, a guided tour of the club's Rockcliffe training ground and two tickets to watch a match at the Riverside Stadium from the Boro TV box.

Kristian shared the guest spot with former Boro player Craig Hignett and his cake-cutting was broadcast last night.

It will be repeated tonight and tomorrow evening.