Bernard, 105, must be PNE's lucky mascot!

Bernard Jones, who is 105, went on the pitch ahead of Saturday’s match against Sheffield Wednesday, has 35 years on the previous oldest mascot.

The great-grandfather came out in his wheelchair, then he walked to the centre circle, with a little help, to meet the captains and referee.

Bernard, who had two sons and a daughter but lost one of his sons, is a grandfather of five and a great-grandfather of two with another great-grandchild on the way.

Bernard, who lives in Barton, near Preston, has been supporting Preston North End since before the war when he first heard Northend beat Huddersfield Town in 1938/39 while listening to the match on the wireless.

Bernard said: “Since that moment, I took up North End as my favourite team and have been supporting them ever since.

“I don’t go to as many matches nowadays as my legs have gone but I am still a keen Preston North End supporter.

Bernard, who used to work as a motor mechanic, comes from North Wales but married Preston girl Mary Josephine Wareing, who everyone knew as Jospehine in 1945. She died in 2001.

Bernard said: “I was very excited about being a mascot and it was a great experience.

“I want Preston North End to finish at the top of the table this season as it would be nice to get into the Premiership. I’m hoping I’m a lucky mascot because they won”

Bernard’s daughter Maggie Waltham, who is also a Preston North End fan, said: “It absolutely made my dad’s day to be a mascot for Preston North End.”