A Colchester United superfan who has been unable to walk since birth had his wildest dreams realised thanks to a children's charity.

Archie Taylor was born with Merosin-deficient muscular dystrophy, a rare and progressive condition which means his muscles have got weaker over time and he needs an electric wheelchair to get around.

But despite his health problems Archie is a huge football fan and has followed the U's for most of his life.

After being contacted by The Dream Factory, which grants wishes for seriously ill children across Essex, Colchester United chiefs helped arrange a money-couldn't-buy prize for the youngster.

Mum Rachel said: "He loved every minute of it, he was overwhelmed by it to be honest.

"He is a full-time wheelchair user and he has to be tube fed, but he just wants to do everything a normal teenager does.

"We are so immensely grateful to the charity because they went above and beyond, as did Colchester United.

"The whole thing came at a really good time because he was recovering from a serious orthopaedic surgery."

U's captain Luke Prosser, who happens to be Archie's favourite player, visited the teenager at home in Southminster to let him know he would be the mascot for United's game against Sol Campbell's Macclesfield Town.

Not only that, his family were invited to join the fun, and Archie received a signed and framed U's shirt along with a hamper of goodies.

To top it all off, the team ran out 1-0 winners against the Silkmen, leaving them sitting third and in the automatic promotion places in League Two.

Mrs Taylor said: "He has been a fan since he was about eight-years-old because his primary school teacher Chris Lovett supported them.

"We try to get to a few games a year and his uncle David Eastwick takes him quite often, but he is a Southend supporter.

"Archie is quite excited at the moment and he is hoping they will manage to get promoted at the end of the season - then they will be playing against Southend."

Matt Hudson, media manager at Colchester United, said the club were delighted to be able to welcome Archie and his family to the game on Saturday.

He said: "The players had heard about the special wish that Archie had had granted and were all keen to meet him on the day.

"He had a good chat with the squad before the game and it was great that we were able to round off his visit with all three points at the weekend.

“We look forward to welcoming Archie and the family back for more games at the stadium and thanks to The Dream Factory for helping us make this such a memorable day.”