AN 11-YEAR-OLD boy who touched the hearts of Shuttle/Times & News readers was the special guest of Kidderminster Harriers over Easter.

Danny Sanders, who received a life-changing motorised wheelchair after an appeal in the newspaper, was a mascot for the game with Rushden & Diamonds at Aggborough on Monday.

Danny, a pupil at Heronswood Primary School in Kidderminster, attended with his mum Megan, nine-year-old sister Bethany and classmate Ben Field.

They were given a glimpse behind the scenes at the Blue Square Premier club before the match and visited the dressing rooms to meet the players.

Danny was at pitch-side when the teams emerged from the tunnel and also met manager Mark Yates before getting a grandstand view of the match action.

It was his first visit to the ground, although he made the trip to the new Wembley stadium last season to see Harriers in the FA Carlsberg Trophy final.

This time, however, he saw the team pull off a victory as they beat Rushden 2-0 to notch their third home league win in a row.

Ms Sanders, of Linnet Rise, Kidderminster, said: "We are really grateful to the Harriers for inviting us to the game.

"They had already helped us by donating a signed football which raised £150 towards Danny's new chair.

"It was nice to meet the players who were really down-to earth people and everyone made us feel very welcome. Harriers are such a friendly club."

She added: "So much has happened since the appeal for Danny was launched and it was another special day for us to remember.

"So many people have supported us and I cannot thank them enough for making such a difference to Danny's life.

"We were also delighted that Harriers topped off the day by winning the game."

Danny, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, featured in the Shuttle/Times & News last year when we told how a conventional wheelchair restricted his activities and ability to do things for himself.

An appeal brought donations totalling almost £13,000 in just four months from community groups and well-wishers and he received his new chair last month.

It has given him more independence, elevating him to a standing position when necessary and giving him many improved social and health benefits.