THE latest addition to Middlesbrough Football Club's collection of memorabilia relates to the club's former arch-rivals.

Fan Ian Webb has loaned the club a 112-year-old register listing the original members of Middlesbrough Ironopolis, the breakaway football club formed when Middlesbrough refused to turn professional during the late 19th Century.

Ironopolis became Boro's local rivals and actually joined the Football League in 1893, six years before Middlesbrough.

The book is to be included in a new Riverside display showcasing items relating to football in Middlesbrough during the 1890s. Supporters will be able to see the display on guided stadium tours.

Ian said: "Everyone who has seen the book thinks it's wonderful. I don't know what happened to it when Ironopolis went bust in 1894 but it resurfaced in an antiques shop in the mid-1980s and a fellow fan gave it to me eight years ago.

"I'm delighted that the club are now going to put it on display. I'm sure the fans will enjoy it.

"It's much better for people to be able to see it than it be shut away in my house."

Boro's communications manager Dave Allan said: "The book is an historic document, not just in terms of football but for the town itself. The shareholders' occupations and addresses provide a fascinating insight into life on Teesside in the late 19th Century."

Supporters can take a close look at the book of Ironopolis shareholders and other exhibits by booking a guided tour of the Riverside Stadium on (01642) 877730.

The hour-long tours cost £4 for adults and £1 for under-16s. Adult season ticket holders pay only £1 when they bring along a full-paying non-season ticket holder.