A dream has come true for Jacob Saunders - the winner of young supporter of the year and the mascot to lead City out at Wembley on Saturday.

Jacob, from Ashton Vale, was told the news in hospital yesterday, where he was receiving treatment for his severe asthma.

The 12-year-old has suffered from an auto immune condition - periodic fever syndrome - and has had chronic asthma.

He was once so ill that he was in intensive care after suffering a respiratory arrest. While on the ventilator he woke up when a City video was played to him.

He now takes a number of different tablets, and inhalers and has an electric nebuliser on standby. But that won't stop him on Saturday as he stands with Gary Johnson's men playing for a chance for a place in the Premier League.

He told bcfc.co.uk: "I can't put how I feel in to words its a dream come true. I will tell all my friends at school but I don't think they will believe me, it's too terrific."

Jacob goes to St Bernadette's Secondary School in Hengrove and has been a City supporter since "forever".

His mum, Theresa, said: "We can't believe it and it couldn't come at a better time today. We were sat here in the children's ward while Jacob was receiving his treatment and now all of sudden we've gone football and Wembley mad."

Jacob received 11 nominations to be the City Mascot in total, beating off stiff competition from lots of other young Robins.

Bristol City fans liaison David Lloyd said: "We had over sixty nominations, and it was really difficult having to select just one winner.

"There are clearly some passionate young City fans out there and we'd like to thank all of them for their magnificent support.

"We chose Jacob because he's a big City fan who continuously overcomes difficult obstacles to support his team. All those who nominated him talk of his positivity, his commitment and his deep love for the club.

"Leading the team out at Wembley will be a dream come true for Jacob, and we're happy to help make that happen."