Brighton and Hove Albion stars had a smashing time when they made a guest appearance at the Churchill Square shopping centre in Brighton.

The first-teamers, including Charlie Oatway, Guy Butters, Michel Kuipers and Robbie Pethick, joined in a penalty competition with youngsters on their half-term holiday.

They were shooting against the Seagulls' goalkeeping coach John Keeley on the ground floor of the centre.

In a break from the action, Robbie tried to kick a ball to a fan on a second-floor balcony but caused a floodlight failure when it crashed into a fluorescent tube and showered people with glass.

A club spokesman said: "It's easy to see why Robbie is a defender. We will be bringing him back for extra shooting practice later in the week."

Churchill Square manager Derek Maddison suggested Robbie could have been putting in a claim for Johnny Wilkinson's place in the England Rugby Union team.

He said: "The players were down here for a marketing awareness campaign and to raise money for the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

"It was a bit of fun but this sort of thing happens sometimes."

Young readers who want show Robbie how to do it now have the chance after The Argus teamed up with the Albion to offer one lucky fan the chance to be match mascot next week.

The LDV Vans Trophy match against Boston United next Tuesday is expected to be the first home game for the Seagulls' new manager.

He can expect a rousing reception and electric atmosphere as discounted tickets have been offered to school parties for the match, sponsored by The Argus.

The competition winner, who must be under 16, will get to run out with the team, have their picture taken in the middle with the captains and watch the game along with their parents.

Club captain Danny Cullip has written to all schools in the Brighton and Hove area to let them know about discounts for the match.

He said: "The LDV Vans Trophy is a competition we believe we have a realistic chance of progressing in, maybe even to the final at the Millennium Stadium."

Match tickets cost £10 for adults or £5 for children, with adults accompanying school parties of five or more also getting in for £5.

If you want to be the mascot, write to Mascot Competition, Promotions Department, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton, BN1 8AR.

The closing date is Monday, November 3. The winner will be drawn at random.

On Thursday, double Championship winners including Gary Hart, Kerry Mayo and Paul Rogers will be in the club shop from 1.30pm to 3.30pm signing copies of the book We Are Brighton! They will also be posing for photos with replica trophies.