SPORTS-mad Charlotte Nott proved she could give Oxford United footballers a run for their money when she showed off her latest blades yesterday.

The five-year-old, who lost the lower part of her arms and legs after contracting meningitis as a baby, has been fitted with a pair of £8,000 running blades thanks to fundraising by Oxford United and The Priory pub before it closed.

And as a thank you, the family has had the blade branded with the club’s colours and badge. Charlotte beamed as she ran and kicked a football at the team’s training ground in Cowley.

The Horspath Primary School pupil, from Cowley, told the Oxford Mail: “I think they are great because you can run fast in them.”

Oxford United captain Jake Wright said: “Charlotte is an inspiration to everyone.

“She is an amazing girl, she is always smiling.

“It is really nice to see her and see she is doing really well.”

Charlotte will be guest of honour at the club’s match against Birmingham at the Kassam stadium on Saturday, when she will proudly wear her running blades on the pitch.

The blades last between six and nine months and the family will continue to fundraise as Charlotte, who also has walking legs, grows taller.

Dad and life-long Oxford United fan Alex Nott, 31, said: “I thought because everyone worked so hard to get the blades – Oxford United and people from The Priory pub – I just thought getting them branded suited the situation.

“It was only fitting for everyone involved. I think it’s brilliant.”

He added: “Charlotte loves them – she is quicker than some of the squad now.”

Because of the blades, Charlotte will be able to take part in activities at her school’s sports day today.

Mr Nott added: “It is brilliant, I feel sorry for the other kids, she is that quick. She can do so much more now.”

Mum Jenny Daniels, 31, said: “The family really think everybody has been so kind, Oxford United and the local businesses and everybody who has fundraised for Charlotte since her illness.

For more on the fundraising, visit charlottesappeal.com