Mini-mayor football fan enjoys his stadium visit

The junior Mayor of Rotherham Etienne Henderson is helped into the mayoral car by mayor's attendant Dean Walton

The tradition - now in its 29th year - saw the 11-year-old experience a day of duties as the borough’s first citizen.

The Laughton Junior and Infant pupil picked a trip to North Anston’s Tropical Butterfly House and Rotherham United’s stadium as part of his itinerary.

Mum Terri Heard (33) said: “Etienne had wanted to go to Rotherham College and see the media department but the day fell on half-term so they were closed.

“So he picked the Butterfly House, which he’s been to a few times and really enjoyed it.

“He’s also something of a Rotherham fan, so he’s been to a few matches but never seen behind the scenes.

“He went in the changing rooms and down by the side of the pitch. He had so many questions to ask that he was talking the whole afternoon.”

Etienne was picked by his school after Laughton was selected to provide this year’s mini-mayor.

His day began with signing the official papers at Rotherham Town Hall before departing for duties in the ET1 car with current mayor Cllr Alan Buckley.

The junior mayor tradition was inspired by Archbishop Thomas Rotherham, who left church vestments for a “child bishop” at the college which has been named after him.