Prime News' Eric Young surprises young fan at birthday party

Eddie can't wipe the smile from his face after the surprise visit from his idol, Eric Young, at his birthday party yesterday. Photo / Facebook

He's the sharply dressed news presenter to most of us, but to one 5-year-old, Eric Young is a hero.

Writer and blogger who goes by the name Emily Writes said her son, Eddie, has been obsessed with the Prime News anchor since the Olympics.

"He got a bit confused and thought Eric Young ran the Olympics. We only let him watch sports news but he watches every night with his Eric Young news glasses. He has always called him Eric Yum Pry Mews because he thinks that's his full name."

Eddie's love for Young hasn't stopped and with a birthday coming up, there was only ever going to be one theme - Eric Yum Pry Mews.

Editor of The Spinoff Parents, Emily wrote about the upcoming party in her latest column.

Young then got in touch and said he'd come to yesterday's party, flying down to Wellington to do so and bringing a cake with his and Eddie's faces emblazoned on it.

Posted by Emily Writes on Friday, 29 September 2017

"It was so kind of him," Emily said.

"Eddie's face made it all worth it. He was ecstatic and said it was the best day of his life.

"Sometimes the things kids love or become obsessed with is a bit weird but that's the wonder of children and we should embrace the weirdness.

"What makes them happy makes them happy and that's all that matters."

Emily said Young gave Eddie a tie he had worn on air and he hadn't taken it off since.

"Eric was mobbed by kids at the party and stayed for two hours letting the kids who were also wearing ties and glasses take photos with him.

Posted by Emily Writes on Friday, 29 September 2017

"Apparently now lots of the kids at the party are obsessed with him too. I can see why because he's so kind."

Young changed his Twitter handle to "Eric Yum Pry Mews" after the party and joked that he "crashed a party".

Photos from the party show the smile on Eddie's face as Young cuts his birthday cake is one of pure admiration, and one surely to leave a smile on your face on this rainy Sunday.

Elliot being charmed by the very eloquent @RealEricYoung at Eddie's party @EmilyWritesNZ pic.twitter.com/P1d0pEL9qT

— Caroline Beech (@KaiserSuzi) September 30, 2017

"He is exceptionally kind and he really did make Eddie's dreams come true," Emily said.

"Eddie had a very difficult start to life with his first surgery at 3 months old, many more after. He has had it tough and his 5th birthday was very special."