MORE than 500 people of all ages packed into Down Grange a week ago to see the rugby world cup in all its glory and grab a treasured picture alongside the gold-plated trophy.

The Webb Ellis Cup's visit to town made Basingstoke RFC the place to be on Monday afternoon.

The club was packed full throughout the two-and-a-half hours the cup was there.

The chance to get up close and personal with the world cup was clearly not an opportunity the Basingstoke public wanted to miss.

Visitors were also able to support youngsters from throughout the county who were playing in the tag rugby tournament.

But the main draw was the cup that was lifted by the huge hands of England captain Martin Johnson on November 22, 2003, after his side's dramatic 22-19 extra-time final win over hosts Australia.

It sat resplendent behind a clear case, and the queue to get a picture with the "yellow tin" - as the Kiwis dub it - stretched in, out and around the main Down Grange building.

Although a proud Scot, Basingstoke RFC chairman Dr Steve Tristram was eventually persuaded to have a picture with England's glory!

He said: "There has been a great response from the public, which is good for us all.

"Another positive from the day is that it increases the exposure of the club to young people in the locality.

"It's vital we get young players because it ensures the future of the club."

The world cup was in Basingstoke as part of the RFU established Sweet Chariot Tour, which began on February 5 after 12 weeks of planning.

The tour was set up so that the cup would not just sit at Twickenham's museum of rugby.

Dave Barton, RFU press officer, said: "The cup's been seen by 500,000 people so far, and we expect 1.5 million to have seen it when the tour finishes."

However, there was disappointment for people who arrived after the cup had been taken away.

It was supposed to be at the club from 2pm until 5pm, but was removed 30 minutes before it should have been.

Nevertheless, 'Stoke stalwart Joyce Beeton had an extra special picture with the cup before it was taken to Winchester.

The indomitable 82-year-old was the only person to get a picture of the cup outside the protective case. The shot she got was of the cup being held up close to the picture on the 'Stoke wall of her and her late husband Arthur, a great clubman in his time. She was overjoyed.