Youngsters welcome FA Cup final ball to Wales (From Penarth Times)

Youngsters welcome FA Cup final ball to Wales

PENARTH youngsters Nicholas and Oliver Close greeted the FA Cup match ball as it was taken to the Millennium Stadium for Saturday's game.

The ball was carried from London to Cardiff by ex-Arsenal player Ray Parlour and Ryder Cup golfer - and Gunners fan - Ian Poulter.

And the celebrity Arsenal supporters did the trick for their team - who took the cup home after a 5-4 win on penalties, following a goalless 120 minutes.

Poulter, renowned for his flashy golfing outfits, and former Arsenal and England midfielder Parlour arrived with the ball by helicopter from the Sky Studios in London, which they then delivered to the stadium by speedboat.

A helicopter took them to the Cardiff Bay Barrage and then the journey continued by water taxi to the Millennium Stadium.

The speedboat used was the Celtic Ranger, which is operated by Penarth company Bay Island Voyages.

Nicholas and Oliver greeted them before they left for the stadium and were thrilled to have their photos taken with the match ball and the celebrities.

* Bay Island Voyages hire out the vessel, which is capable of speeds of up to 60mph, for birthdays and other special occasions and also run trips around the bay and to the island of Flatholm.