It was a red letter day for cystic fibrosis sufferer Christopher Newall when he was invited to rub shoulders with his Manchester United heroes.

The 19-year-old Red Devils fanatic, from Saltaire, spent a day at the club's Carrington Road training ground after his mum Kathleen wrote to manager Alex Ferguson explaining about his illness.

The VIP visit came as a timely morale boost for the teenager, who was born with cystic fibrosis and has been in and out of hospital 18 times in the last three years.

Christopher, a former pupil at Salt Grammar School, said: "It was the most fantastic day. I am still shaking myself to believe it really happened."

"I got most of the players' autographs and got to meet my heroes. It was particularly special to meet Van Nistlerooy, Ronaldo, Rooney and Ferdinand."

Christopher and his friend Bevan Spencer, also from Saltaire, watched the morning training session before being treated to lunch in the players' lounge.

Christopher said: "When we went up to the players' lounge for dinner, Alex Ferguson came over and chatted to us.

"He was really friendly. He asked how we were doing and what our names were. It was fantastic to meet someone like him.

"Ruud Van Nistlerooy was also in the players' lounge because he was out injured and he came over to meet us. He is a wonderful player and one of my heroes.

"When we went outside, I met all the players and managed to get their autographs and have my picture taken with some of them.

"We only missed Roy Keane and Paul Scholes which, out of the whole team, wasn't too bad. The whole day was just great."

He added: "It all came about because my mum wrote to the club in December because I was in hospital a lot.

"They sent a gift pack, which was really nice, and then they got in touch to tell me about the meet-and-greet day.

"I have been a United supporter for 13 years, so this has given me a massive boost."