Walking onto a Premier League football ground and carrying the match ball could be the stuff that dreams are made of for some.

But for three crew members from Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat – it became reality as they walked out onto the hallowed turf at Carrow Road football ground.

At selected Norwich City FC home games, the club chooses a worthy individual or organisation to be their community heroes of the week.

And proud to represent the RNLI two Saturday's ago were Lowestoft lifeboat deputy second coxswain Nigel Lyman and crew members Ben Arlow and Vanessa Haig who together with press officer Mick Howes were invited by the club to place the match ball on a plinth on the pitch before the exciting home game between Norwich and Liverpool.

After meeting Norwich City FC chief executive David McNally the trio were taken to the players tunnel where, just before kick off, they were announced to the 27,000 strong crowd and greeted with cheers and waving as they took the ball to the plinth.

They were then escorted to their seats to watch what turned out to be a thrilling match on Saturday, January 23 with nine goals scored between the two teams as Liverpool triumphed 5-4.

Mr Howes said: 'The crew were really pleased and honoured that the football club invited them to represent not only the RNLI in general but in particular all the local volunteers who serve on the fleet of lifeboats that cover the Norfolk and North Suffolk coast.

'It was a wonderful experience and together with the chance to watch a match that some pundits suggested could be the game of the season – it is one that we will remember for a long time.'

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