A PAIR of football-mad cousins enjoyed a camping trip with a difference when they spent the night in a tent at Arsenal's stadium.

Jack Dewhurst, 11 and Ben Langsworthy aged 9 joined nearly 200 other youngsters for a sleepover in the middle of the pitch at the Emirates in Islington, after winning a place in a Junior Gunners competition.

The pair were among a group of five children from Woodford Green to take part in the event on Friday May 14 - during which they got the chance to play football on the hallowed turf overseen by qualified coaches, eat a post-match dinner in the ground's hospitality tier and watch a movie before it was time for lights out.

Jack, of The Pines, Woodford Green, said: "It was brilliant. Sticking my head out of the tent and seeing all those seats was really weird.

"The best bit was when I scored a goal when we were playing a match on the pitch.

"It was great that me and Ben got to be there at the same time."

Jack's mum Sarah Ouzman said: "Jack thought it was fantastic. He had a great time. He said he kissed the centre spot and then kissed the goal posts.

"We are a big Arsenal family so there were plenty of people who were jealous of him.

"For Jack and Ben to both get the chance to go at the same time was brilliant.

"The club really treated them well. All the tents were laid out on the pitch in the shape of a J and a G for Junior Gunners."

The event is thought to be the first of its type ever held at an English league ground.

Mrs Ouzman said that despite his love for The Gunners, Jack, a pupil at Woodbridge High School, does not plan to become a professional footballer.

She said: "He wants to be a vet. He loves animals.

"Jack and Ben both had a really good time, but I don't think what happened will sink in for either of them until they're a bit older."

Sue Campbell, manager of the Junior Gunners supporters club, said: "We're very proud of the exciting activities our members have access to and camping on the pitch is the latest initiative that demonstrates that we like to go that extra mile for our fans.

"The 200 lucky Junior Gunners that were here for the first-ever kids' sleepover on the pitch at an English football club were part of a special and unique experience for everyone involved. Along with the tickets on offer and days out, there are many reasons to join up."

For more information visit: arsenal.com/juniorgunners