SOME of football's greatest names have held the FA Cup aloft in triumph. But yesterday it was the turn of children from three primary schools to sample a taste of glory.

Art and football fanatic Lauren Gill combined her two hobbies to win a top prize in a national design competition run by the Football Association.

The 11-year-old came second in a contest to design the ball for the FA Cup final, played earlier this month.

Her prize was for the cup to visit her school, Oakley Cross Primary School, in West Auckland, County Durham, so she and her classmates could have their picture taken with the trophy.

Lauren said: "I love drawing and support Newcastle, so I have enjoyed the competition and having the FA Cup in school. It's been really exciting, because so many famous people have touched it, and all my friends are really pleased."

Pupils from nearby Copeland Road School and St Andrew's Primary School, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, were invited to the school to share the excitement.

Mrs Elizabeth Ivil, headteacher of Oakley Cross, said: "We are all very proud of Lauren. It is wonderful when a small school like our's does well in a contest open to hundreds."

Keeper of the FA Cup, Laurie Good, said the school had been a pleasure to visit.

"There is a great sense of occasion and youngsters cannot quite believe they are touching the real FA Cup, made in 1911 after the original was stolen," he said.