WHEN Bobby Moore became the first Englishman to raise the World Cup above his head in 1966, his face was flushed with pride.

But when radio presenter Dan Thorpe became the latest Englishman to hoist the second edition of the trophy in the air, his face flushed with embarrassment - as he smashed the cup through the studio ceiling.

The World Cup was taken to Newcastle's Metro Radio station as part of a tour, before heading off to Japan for this summer's tournament. Listeners were invited to take part in a football quiz with three winners given the chance to hold the solid gold statue.

It was taken to the station in a glass case, heavily protected by security guards and a police motorcycle escort, and was out of the case for only half an hour for the competition winners to hold.

Sports journalist Mr Thorpe was more eager than most to "do a Bobby Moore", so he stole his chance when the security guard turned his back, and grabbed hold of the cup.

But as he got lost in the moment, the 6ft tall presenter was left shamed-faced when he pushed it straight through the ceiling.

However, football's greatest accolade survived the incident unscathed. The same cannot be said for the ceiling.