WHAT is thought to be the North-East and North Yorkshire's oldest continuously played for football trophy - which was once won by the world's first black professional footballer - could be sent to The National Football Museum after being "rediscovered."

The Cleveland Cup, first played for in 1882 when it was won by Middlesbrough, has had several different names and the current holders, Thirsk Falcons, had no idea it was once the trophy for what was once a major competition attracting thousands of spectators every year.

Shaun Campbell, of Darlington, who has long campaigned for recognition of the world's first black professional player Arthur Wharton, explained he had "discovered" what he believed to be a lost trophy when further researching a well-known photograph of Wharton.

Wharton, officially the fastest man in the world after running the 100 yards in ten seconds flat in 1886, won the trophy as goalkeeper for Darlington in 1887 beating great rivals, Darlington St Augustine's FC, by four goals to one in front of about 6,000 in Middlesbrough and was photographed by the cup.

Mr Campbell, who has been involved in creating an exhibition about Wharton currently being held at the The National Football Museum in Manchester, was inspired by track the trophy down after stumbling across another photograph of the Cleveland Cup in The Northern Echo, this time taken in 1889 when St Augustine's won the trophy and were greeted by 2,000 fans at the town's Bank Top station.

Mr Campbell sent an 1880s photograph of the cup to North Riding FA chief executive Tom Radigan who said there was no doubt it was the same cup currently being used as the North Riding Saturday County Cup.

The National Football Museum has expressed an interest to Mr Campbell about exhibiting the trophy temporarily but no formal request has yet been made to the North Riding FA.

The news of the trophy's importance has enthused current holders Thirsk Falcons.

Geoff Garbutt, treasurer and secretary of the club, said: "It was a very special cup for us in any case. We were formed in 1946 but this is the first time we've won it.

"We knew it was special but only because of its age. Everyone at the club is buzzing we found out how historic and important it actually is. There's no doubt it's the same cup."

The trophy was valued as being worth between £10,000 and £15,000 several years ago, but it may actually be worth more money due to its association with Wharton. It is not held at Thirsk Falcons, but at a secure location elsewhere.

The lid has long been missing but Mr Campbell is asking anyone who might have it to come forward. Call Chris Webber on 01325 505079.