TIME just flew by after the Southward family struck up a conversation with England and Liverpool soccer ace Steven Gerrard.
For the Kop king was sitting right in front of them as they jetted out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport on their way to sunny Portugal - and he was more than happy to pass the time talking to his fans.
It was a dream come true for the family, who live in Bolton Avenue, Huncoat, as they are big supporters of the Reds.
Ann and Graham South-ward took their children Hollie, eight, and Lewis, five, for a two-week holiday to Albufeira.
Ann, a care assistant, said: "He talked to us on the flight out and signed autographs for us. He had a lot of people coming up to him."
Hollie and Lewis, who go to Huncoat Primary School, had no problem showing the star their true colours, as they both had their Liverpool shirts on.
Ann added: "Steve was really good with them. He's such a nice lad and he was very accommodating. He was with his girlfriend and a few friends. He said he was going away for a week. When we landed he let us take his picture."
Ann's husband Graham, a chemical processor at William Blythe's in Church, regularly takes the children to watch the team play at Anfield.
