CROWDS queued for hours to see the Webb Ellis Trophy as World Cup fever again took a grip on North Herefordshire.

The trophy, which had captured the public imagination since the England rugby players first lifted it three months previously, was flown into Luctonians' Mortimer Park ground on a day which started the four-month celebration Sweet Chariot Tour of the country.

Fortunately, the rain held off last Thursday as the crowd was already swelling to see the World Cup arrive by RAF helicopter at around 5.30pm.

By the time the trophy left at 9pm up to 3,000 fans, young and old, had patiently waited to view - and have their chance to be photographed with - rugby's top trophy. At one stage the queue to the viewing tent and clubhouse went back across the playing fields to a hedge adjoining the third team pitch.

It meant a busy day for Kingsland-based Luctonians and chairman Dave Thomas said: "It was a great coup for North Herefordshire that we were chosen.

"We are a club that is used to staging big events but to have the Webb Ellis Trophy here was absolutely fantastic.

"Since England won the cup we have had a huge increase in interest in rugby from youngsters of all backgrounds, so we knew there would be a big turnout."

He added: "It's a tribute to director of rugby Simon Green-Price, Tracey Hyde and her bar-staff, and many others who contributed to a club effort which made it a day to remember."

The trophy was taken away that night to continue the tour and helicopter pilot Flt Lt Andy Stradling said: "It's a great honour for us to have the opportunity to look after the Webb Ellis Cup. Both Steve Doubleday, my co-pilot, and myself are rugby fans and we would have welcomed any chance to see the trophy.

"But to see it at such close quarters is a huge honour," he said, echoing the views of many present at Luctonians.