CRICKET fans can expect to be bowled over at the re-appearance of a piece of local history for the first time in 10 years at an upcoming cup final.

The 125-year-old Cleveland Cup has been on display in Middlesbrough Town Hall for the last decade to protect the valuable piece from being damaged.

Over the years a replica has been used in its place but it has now been decided the time is right to celebrate the silverware in public.

The historic trophy will be handed to the winner of the Cleveland Cricket League’s cup final between Loftus Cricket Club and Nunthorpe Cricket Club being played at Guisborough Cricket Club on Sunday, August 3, starting at 1pm.

It has already been given back to the league’s chairman Peter Lodge by Middlesbrough’s Deputy Mayor, Dave Budd, who played together in the only team to have won the cup four times in a row, Ormesby Hall from 1977 to 1980.

Mr Lodge said: “I think after 10 years now is as good a time as any to bring the trophy out.

“I’m sure it will make winning the final even more special and we hope as many people as possible can make it along to see this piece of history and give their support to both Loftus and Nunthorpe Cricket Clubs.”

Councillor Budd added: “We are very proud to be able to give a home to the Cleveland Cup and to be able to display it to the public.

“It has a prominent position in the town hall and brings back some great memories of being part of a team that enjoyed such success. I wish both teams in this year’s final the best of luck.”