News of his retirement as Penrith AFC's long-serving mascot has certainly not gone unnoticed in the non-league football community.

And clubs in the Northern League are making a remarkable show of celebration and support towards Bradley Hodgson.

The 24-year-old is Penrith's best-known supporter and has led the team out for the last 17 years.

He recently announced that this would be his last season in the role because he wanted someone younger to have the chance.

But Penrith's rival clubs are not allowing his impending retirement as mascot to go unmarked.

All four of Penrith's opponents so far this season have presented Bradley with a special commemorative shirt.

The first game of the Northern League Division One season, a 2-2 draw with Ashington, saw Penrith's visitors have a personalised shirt made with 'Bradley 17' on the back, also writing a letter thanking Bradley for his support and enthusiasm for the game.

Cumberland & Westmorland Gazette:

Penrith's first away game, a 3-2 victory at Whitley Bay, also saw the popular Cumbrian receive a special shirt from the opposition...

Next it was the visit of Guisborough Town in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

And the Yorkshire club, who won the tie 2-1, were also keen to salute Bradley with a shirt - describing him as "iconic for Penrith and the Northern League"

Penrith's latest league game was the 3-0 home defeat to North Shields on Wednesday night.

They did not let Bradley's long service go unrewarded either...

Bradley told the News & Star: "I want to thank Ashington, Whitley Bay, Guisborough and North Shields for giving me a shirt.

"It's special for me."

He started as Penrith's mascot at their previous Southend Road home before continuing when they moved to Frenchfield Park in 2009.

Bradley, who has Down’s Syndrome and has played for the England Mencap team, has always been embraced by Penrith, where his dad Stuart and mum Kim have long-standing involvement at the club.

The huge Bonny Blues fan hopes the team can get back to winning ways this afternoon in their home game against West Allotment Celtic.

“We played alright on Wednesday but should have scored," he said. "It was a bit difficult for us so hopefully it will be a confidence boost this weekend against West Allotment Celtic."