AN 11-YEAR-OLD from the region has became the fourth person in the country to have a sleepover with the FA Cup.

Laura Donnelly, from Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, spent the night with the iconic trophy after winning a prize draw.

Football fans were given chance to visit the Cup as it stopped off in the region as part of the FA Cup Trophy Tour last week.

Under-12s were given the chance to win an opportunity to take the cup home with them as part of the FA Cup Dreams initiative.

Football fanatic Laura said: “I couldn't believe how lucky I was to win The FA Cup sleepover for Middlesbrough. It is an experience that I will never forget, and it is one of the most exciting things that has happened in my life. As a Boro season ticket holder I know how important it is to the team."

Her dad, Shaun, added: “It's impossible to exaggerate how exciting it was to have The FA Cup in our house. Every kid that's ever played for their school team has dreamed of lifting The FA Cup, and we were able to live that dream for a few hours. It was both surreal and brilliant."