THE FA Premiership Trophy came as close as it ever will to Swindon at the weekend when it made an appearance at a pub in Malmesbury.

The Kings Arms won a national competition with the league's sponsors Barclays after it produced the best replica cup. The prize was to have the trophy for the day.

Dozens of regulars turned up on Saturday to catch a glimpse of the hallowed trophy but security guards insisted no one was allowed to touch it.

Keith Johnson, partner of landlady Hilary Timms, said: "It was a three strikes and you're out rule'. They told us at the start of the day if it was touched three times they would simply pack up and leave.

"We asked anybody who was having their photograph taken with the trophy to make a donation.

"We raised £260 and Barclays promised to match whatever we made pound for pound so we ended up with £520 that will go to Malmesbury Youth Football Club.

"It was a nice day with a good turnout and it was good to see so many families in the place."