Chaddy the fastest mascot in football

A wise old owl today claimed the title of fastest soccer club mascot in England after taking tips from one of the world’s greatest athlete.

Oldham Athletic mascot Chaddy The Owl – in real life, male model Kev Williams, 28, from Oldham, Lancashire – romped home in the fourth annual Ladbrokes Mascot Grand National at Huntingdon Race Course in Huntingdon, Cambridge.

Mr Williams had finished third in 2000 and second last year and was determined to be first at the post this time.

To help with his training he logged on to a special Internet fitness website set-up by Australian sprint champion Cathy Freeman.

The race attracted a field of more than 90 runners dressed in extravagant costumes from all over Britain.

They included: West Bromwich Albion's Baggie Bird, Burnley's Bumble Bee, Captain Blade of Sheffield United, Cyril The Swan of Swansea City, Lofty The Lion of Bolton Wanderers, Pee Tee, of Partick Thistle, Sammy Saint, of Southampton, Scunny Bunny of Scunthorpe, and Wandle Womble of Wimbledon.