One of sport’s most iconic trophies was the centrepiece of a major Workington event today as part of a massive tour of the country.

The Webb Ellis Cup, awarded to the winner of the Rugby World Cup, was shown off at Workington Zebras rugby union club.

The stop-off at the Ellis Sports Ground in Moss Bay was on day 49 of a 100-day tour of the trophy across the UK and Ireland.

Between 200 and 300 people flocked to the ground to get their pictures taken with the golden trophy ahead of England hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup from September 18 to October 31.

Bill Beaumont, a former captain of the England rugby union team, was at Zebras posing for photographs with the cup in his role as chairman of the Rugby Football Union and director of England Rugby 2015, the organisers of the World Cup.

He said: "Wherever we go the cup is a major thing. We have got a responsibility as an organising body to take advantage of this opportunity to create a lasting legacy."

As well as the cup being on display at the Ellis Sports Ground there was also an All Schools rugby tournament involving under-14 pupils.

Students from Maryport’s Netherhall School, St Joseph’s High School, Stainburn School and Southfield Technology College, all Workington, took part in a seven-a-side contest.

There were also several rugby-themed games and activities to keep children entertained.

Alex Price, 37, of Cockfield Drive, Workington, was at the ground with his wife Sharon and four children.

He said: "It's an unbelievable trophy. It's a bit surreal it's here in Workington."

Lisa Carter, 27, of Salisbury Street, Workington, is a member of Workington Zebras Finches women's rugby union team.

She said: "Hopefully having the cup here will get more people into rugby, especially ladies."

John Dryden, chairman of Zebras, said: "It's an honour, especially as we were the only club in Cumbria it has visited.

"Hopefully it will inspire people to get into rugby."

In the morning the cup was carried up Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, where England women’s rugby player Maggie Alphonsi attempted the highest rugby lineout in England.

Mr Beaumont and Ian Metcalfe, a board member of England Rugby 2015, joined her at Scafell.