WHEN Whitefield youngster Jordan Belston met sporting legend Sir Geoff Hurst it was a fantastic honour.

But his grandad Ken Mansfield was even more impressed!

Mr Mansfield vividly remembers Sir Geoff's hat-trick for England in the 1966 World Cup Final, while seven-year-old Jordan, of Penrith Avenue, can only watch snippets of the historical game on video.

Nevertheless, meeting the former West Ham player was a lovely treat for the young football fan who has recently been out of action himself due to injury.

Last December Jordan, who plays for Bury FC Juniors at Gigg Lane, fractured his collarbone, then two months later broke his arm.

His coach Jason Nicholas was so impressed with his positive attitude so nominated him for a competition to lead out the England team at their Euro 2004 opening match against France in June.

After being shortlisted for the coveted prize, which has been provided by Euro 2004 sponsors McDonald's, Jordan was picked out to join 10 other lucky youngsters from around the country to join the team in Portugal.

He met Sir Geoff Hurst at a McDonald's restaurant in Oldham as part of a 48-hour tour of the country with the Henri Delaunay Euro 2004 Trophy.

Manchester United fan Jordan, who attends St Margaret's Primary School in Prestwich, is now looking forward to escorting one of the England players out onto the pitch, preferably his favourite player, David Beckham.