Hundreds of football fans came face-to-face with the biggest prize in sport last night ahead of Lincoln City's League Two clash with Hereford United.

The World Cup was flown in to the city by helicopter and touched down on the astroturf pitches at Sincil Bank, later accompanied by England 1966 cup winner Martin Peters.

The gold trophy was ushered into the stadium after arriving at 5.50pm under tight security before supporters and sponsors had their chance to be pictured with it.

Club officials estimated 1,000 people had the chance to have their photograph with the iconic trophy in its only UK stadium stop at Sincil Bank.

African drummers and dancers entertained the long queue of people waiting to have their photos taken with the cup, before former West Ham and England legend Mr Peters held the trophy aloft in front of the crowd at half time.

Imps season ticket holder Rob Makepeace, who turned 20 yesterday, said he could not believe he was picked to have his picture taken with the trophy.

Mr Makepeace, of Boultham, Lincoln, added that it was the perfect birthday present.

"My friends thought it wasn't the real World Cup but a replica," he said.

"But they checked on the Internet and I think they were quite envious of me. The FA Cup was here a couple of years ago but you can't get much bigger than the World Cup."

For the full story and to read about tributes paid to former Imps manager Keith Alexander at the event see Saturday's Lincolnshire Echo.