Christmas will be arriving two days early for 12-year-old Paul Hay.

The youngster has won the opportunity to be official team mascot for premiership league side Dundee United in their game against Hearts at Tannadice on 23 December.

Paul’s dad Martin won the Mascot Package, which includes full hospitality for all the family, in a competition organised by leading Tayside office design and relocations company Asplanned Ltd. Martin said: “Paul is a huge fan of Dundee United, and he’s thrilled to have been given the chance to lead his team out on to the pitch. He’s a keen footballer himself, which makes this all the more special for him. Our whole family is delighted that we’ve won this competition, and it will make sure we have a really magical start to our Christmas.”

Stewart Culross, Design Director for Asplanned, said: “We’re very pleased that the Mascot Package has been won by a real fan of the game. I’m sure that Paul will do a great job as team mascot, and everyone here at Asplanned hopes that this experience helps to make this Christmas even more special for Paul and his family.”

Paul is currently a first-year pupil at Madras School in St Andrews.