WHEN it comes to talking about football, student Mark Harris isn't usually lost for words.

But the 16-year-old was left dumbstruck when he heard he'd scooped the National Young Commentator of the Year Award, beating more than 5,000 young hopefuls from across Britain.

And on Saturday, the lucky teenager found himself sat in a gantry alongside top football commentator John Motson to commentate on the FA Cup Final for BBC Interactive.

"I had a brilliant time and thought it went very well," said Mark, who attends Wimborne's Queen Elizabeth's School.

"The match got better as it went on.

"It can be quite a struggle for commentators when there is not much happening but this turned out to be a great contest."

Mark's thrilling prize-winning few days began when he travelled to Arsenal's training ground to watch the eventual winners prepare for their final.

The following day he appeared on the BBC children's programmes Newsround and Live Exchange before heading for the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Mark, who lives in Wimborne, said John Motson had been particularly supportive.

"He was very kind and gave me lots of tips. It's definitely what I would like to do when I leave school.

"I've always been a huge football fan and I think commentary plays a big part in the enjoyment of the game," added Mark.

Head of Queen Elizabeth's School Andy Puttock said: "It was brilliant for Mark.The school is very proud of him."