A competition has been launched which will see one lucky child dream up a new mascot for a town's football club.

The winner will see their creation entertain crowds at Ashford United when the side plays at its home at Homelands stadium.

Entrants are encouraged to take inspiration from the team's nickname - the Nuts and Bolts - which recognises the town's long-standing connection with the railways and its railway works.

Pupils must give their character a name, explain its personality and how it represents Ashford United.

Faye Hackwell, marketing and communications executive at the club, said: "As a mum myself, I know children often need more than just the on-pitch action to stay entertained at football matches and creating a mascot will help to create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere at Homelands.

"We are really hoping the competition will help to show schools and families in Ashford that they are welcome at our club, whether it is playing for one of our youth sides or supporting our first team at matches, as under 16s are free with a paying adult.

"We can’t wait to see what the children of Ashford come up with and hopefully we will get some really imaginative and interesting designs."

A panel of judges will decide the winner and the costume will be made by Sally Preisig of Mimics Productions, who went to school in Ashford.

The winning child will get to lead the Ashford United first team out at one of their home matches and have the mascot visit their school for its launch. Two runners up will receive family tickets to a game.

Schools are currently being invited to take part and the deadline for entries is November 5.

For more information on the competition, email faye@aufc.co.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford