A YOUNGSTER scored big after battling against hundreds of football fanatics in a penalty shoot out at a shopping centre.

More than 270 people raced to the challenge at Market Place Shopping Centre in the hope of being crowned champion and walking away with a Bolton Wanderers season ticket.

Shoppers were wowed by talented 12-year-old John Parkinson, who won the prize.

Wanderers fan John, of Pleasant Gardens, Bolton, said he is inspired by Whites star Jay Spearing, and the youngster has played football since the age of five.

John said: “I am thrilled to have won and I’m looking forward to taking my best friend along to the matches. I’m a huge Jay Spearing fan so excited to see him in action all season long.”

World Cup Fever at Market Place attracted more than 23,000 shoppers.

Centre Nikki Wilson-Cook said: “John is a perfect example of the many talented youngsters we have in the town. It was fantastic to host such a fun exciting event.

“With developments recently starting on our Victorian Vaults and nine-screen cinema project, we hope to bring more fun and entertaining shopping experiences to people all across the North West and make ourselves a real destination for shoppers."

For details about Market Place events, the Victorian Vaults and nine-screen cinema project visit boltonmarketplace.com.