MAY 29, 1993, was a very special day for fans of York City.

But for Alex Bedingham that momentous Wembley occasion was truly unforgettable.

Then aged nine, Alex was City's mascot for the day after winning a radio phone-in competition.

"It was an absolutely fantastic experience," he said.

"It is easily one of the best days of my life and something I will never forget.

"It has been a difficult few years for the club but despite everything that has happened the memory of being mascot at Wembley is something that can never be taken away from me."

Bedingham confesses the game itself was a bit of a blur but his part in the build-up remains crystal clear.

Having travelled down to London on one of the Travel Club coaches, he was allowed into the City dressing room as the players prepared and even enjoyed a kick-about on the hallowed Wembley turf before leading the City team out of the tunnel.

"Doing something like that has a massive impact on you," admits Bedingham, who ten years on is still a talismanic figure for the Minstermen.

Sharing duties with Steve Ovenden, Bedingham regularly leads the current City team out of the playing tunnel both home and away as Yorkie, the club mascot.