IT'S a huge offer from Saints' smallest fan.

At just 2ft 11in, Michael Henbury may not have the largest physical stature but he's certainly proved he has one of the biggest hearts.

Avid Southampton FC fan Michael has left fellow supporter Matt Pearce deliriously happy after offering him a chance to see his beloved team take on Derby County in the play-off semi-finals as they bid to win back their place in the Premiership.

Officially Britain's smallest man, he made his generous offer after the Daily Echo revealed yesterday how lifelong Saints fan Matt was offering anyone who could give him a ticket for one of the two vital games, a free stay in his beach front home in Melbourne, Australia.

Even better, another donor, who has asked to remain anonymous, has provided Matt with a ticket for tomorrow's match.

Matt, 28, was desperate for tickets to both legs of the tie after paying for a 10,000-mile flight back to the UK in time for the two games - tomorrow and Tuesday. Within minutes of the Daily Echo hitting the shops yesterday, Michael had already called us to say he had a spare ticket for Tuesday's game.

Michael, 48, of Eastleigh, who has used his diminutive height to gain roles in films including Star Wars, in which he played an Ewok, and Willow, said: "I was just touched by his commitment to the club. He's an avid Saints fan, as am I, and he seemed genuine, so I thought that as I had two tickets and the friend I was supposed to go with had cancelled, this was a great way to ensure the ticket wasn't wasted.

"I have always wanted to visit Australia, and more importantly see Saints make it back into the Premiership - now let's just hope I get to see both."

Married Michael now hopes to take his nine-year-old son to Oz on the trip of a lifetime when he takes Matt up on his offer of a month at his Melbourne home in return for a ticket for the match.

Matt, 28, said: "I just can't believe how lucky I am. I only made the offer as a kind of final plea because there was no way I was going to be able to get a ticket for the games by the time I got back to the UK.

"So to be offered a dream chance like this within minutes of the story being published is amazing. I can't wait to meet Michael and, of course, see Saints triumph on Tuesday."