FLEDGLING fan Benjamin Seymour has smashed the York City Knights sponsorship records by becoming the youngest backer on the Huntington Stadium books - at just 20 minutes old.

The new-born baby actually had his allegiance pledged to the Knights - and captain Richie Hayes in particular - before he came into the world.

And, immediately following his successful arrival at 2.05pm last Sunday, that pledge was fulfilled, with the young fan giving his blessing to the sponsorship deal.

Parents Phil and Julie Seymour, who sponsored prop Craig Forsyth last season, had pencilled in their first-born - full name Benjamin David Seymour - as the player sponsor of club captain Hayes for the 2004 campaign. And 20 minutes after his birth, Phil phoned the Knights to confirm the details.

Explained Phil, who is on the fans' fundraising committee: "We decided it would be nice if the Knights' newest fan sponsored one of the favourite players. We wanted him to get involved as soon as possible - as soon as he can walk he's going to have trials.

"We sorted the sponsorship out three months before he was due but we had to wait for him to be born to know for sure the gender and confirm the name. He was born at 2.05pm on Sunday and both him and his mum are absolutely fantastic."

He added: "Richie was the obvious choice as he is the model professional rugby player. He's always first to training, always well-behaved and obviously he's a quality player."

Hayes himself was happy to meet his new sponsor this week. And as our picture shows, it was a real case of little and large, with the 6ft 1in 17st prop forward holding the tiny 7lb 8oz baby.

Hayes said: "It was nice for the mam and dad to think of me. He must be the youngest supporter of the club and it's a privilege to be sponsored by him."

Updated: 10:33 Saturday, December 06, 2003