The nine-year-old will join Premiership stars like Emile Heskey and Neil Lennon when she leads the Foxes out before their home match against Sheffield Wednesday.

"It's good," said the Hartford County Primary pupil. "I'm most looking forward to meeting the players - but I'm very nervous."

Lydia is certainly maintaining a family tradition. Her uncle James was mascot in 1978 - and two months later her dad, Gareth Reed, led the team out too.

"The family are big supporters of Leicester City, even though we live in the north of England," said Gareth, 28.

"I actually dug the programme out for the match I was mascot when we found out Lydia was doing it. It's good. I'm glad she's interested."

Saturday will be a real family occasion for Lydia, of Chester Road in Hartford.

As well as her dad and two younger brothers, her moment of glory will be watched by her uncles and grandparents.

Even her mum Heather will be there - and she's a Manchester United fan.

"There's a bit of a battle raging about which team Lydia's going to support," admitted Gareth. "But I think I'm winning hands down now. And I'm glad Heather's coming. Every time I've taken her to a game, Leicester have won. I think she's become a lucky mascot."

But it's not just Lydia's mum who's trying to change her allegiance.

"I've told people at school - but most of them support Man United," said Lydia. "I think we'll win on Saturday, 2-0 or 3-0."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.