THIS week in 1999 was a memorable one for young Taunton football ace Justin Porter, who signed a deal with then Premiership outfit Derby County.

Porter, 15, of Upper Holway Road, Taunton, visited Derby's newly-built Pride Park after being offered an all expenses paid sport scholarship at Repton School.

Parents Roy and Alison said they were "very proud" upon hearing the news.

Justin, who attended Heathfield School, had scored over 100 goals in a season as a 12-year-old, having started playing with Blackbrook Under-10s at the age of seven.

Soon he was spotted by Bristol City and later moved to Southampton before being picked up by The Rams.

Porter was never given a first-team opportunity at Derby and, after brief spells at Yeovil and Exeter, represented Taunton Town and Bridgwater Town later in his career.