© Solent News & Photo AgencySchoolboy Alastair Barnes is hoping for a lucky year after his special clover find
The nine-year-old went out for a stroll with his father and his dog near Salisbury when he stumbled upon the seven-leaf version of the the four-leaf lucky symbol
Clovers occasionally have leaves with four leaflets, instead of the usual three, but finding five, six or seven-leaf varieties are even rarer.
Alastair, who had been looking out for clovers on the walk through Coombe Bassett nature reserve, said: 'I was really hoping to find a four-leaf clover when I spotted one with seven leaves.
© Solent News & Photo AgencySeven wonders of the world: The lucky clover
'He didn't believe me at first but then he came over and had a look for himself.
'I picked it and took it home. It was amazing to find something so rare - I was so happy.'
Alastair has placed the clover in a book to protect it from damage and in the hope it will bring him some good luck.
Lucky clover facts:
The four-leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the common, three-leaved clover.
According to tradition, such leaves bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally.
Legend has it that each leaflet represents something: the first is for hope, the second is for faith, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck.
Another Irish legend tells that the three-leaf clover, or 'Shamrock' , was what Saint Patrick used to represent the Holy Trinity.
The saying 'to be in clover' means to be living a carefree life of ease, comfort, or prosperity.
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