Tsunami auction winner leads out Robins (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Tsunami auction winner leads out Robins

TOWN fan Thomas Melton-Ruddock helped the club to victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The 13-year-old fan, who goes to Kingsdown School, won the chance to lead out the team after his mum won the prize in a fundraising auction for victims of the Asian Tsunami run by the Advertiser earlier in the year.

The original plan was to spend a day at Swindon Town watching the training and meeting the players, but this couldn't be arranged and so Thomas, of South Marston, became mascot for the day.

Speaking after his big day, Thomas said: "It was really exciting for me. The crowds were really big, but it was pretty cool.

"I got to meet all the players and my favourite players Christian Roberts and Jamie Cureton. I think they will be the next Sam Parkins."

Thomas was no stranger to being a mascot, having done it twice before, but this match was the best one.

"It was good fun before, but this match was the best because they did really well."

Thomas' mum Tracey Allen was watching proudly from the stand. She said: "We're really grateful to Swindon Town and particularly Chris Tanner at the club for helping to sort it out. They really looked after us, and although it was a pity it was pouring with rain, it was great to see them win."

The match was Town's first win of the season at the County Ground.

They won 2-1.