Buck Bobby steps in

Meet Bobby the Buck - the new mascot who will be entertaining hundreds of AFC Telford United fans and hopes to follow in the hooves of former mascot Benny.

The role of Bobby the Buck has been taken on by Stephen Mott after club bosses appealed for people to come forward for the job. Lez Dean retired as the giant cuddly deer to make way for the new mascot last season.

Lee Carter, club chairman said: "Stephen has been a fan for a long time. There was a number of people who applied to do the job but Stephen was chosen as the best person."

Mr Carter said about 20 people had come forward to do the entertaining at games dressed in the new costume, including many youngsters under 16.

He said he hopes to get those young fans involved at future games.

"This mascot is a bit more reserved than Benny and he's in a totally new outfit," said Mr Carter.

"Money for the costume was raised by the junior Bucks.

"Fans will see Bobby at every game strutting his stuff and getting the crowd going," he said.

The job advert said the mascot needed to be "motivated, creative and very energetic".

Former mascot, council worker Lez Dean, from Priorslee, Telford, had enjoyed the role for nearly seven years, but at the age of 47 years old he announced his retirement, leaving some fans in tears.

A life-long AFC fan, Mr Dean became involved with Telford when he helped out with the travel club and progressed to transforming himself into a deer during his spare time.

Bobby will also be seen at other promotional events throughout the year to raise the profile of the Shropshire club.

The Telford United club had been looking for someone who attended most home games and was also available at events and activities both during the season and throughout the summer time to raise the its profile.

Diane Morris had been organising the search and had said the club would be consulting fans to find the replacement.

But there had been fears no-one would be able to recreate the mascot's trademark cackle.

By Kirsty Marston