WORLD Cup fever erupted in Trowbridge as the greatest prize in rugby came to Wiltshire's county town as part of its whistlestop tour of the nation.

Up to 700 people flocked to the Civic Hall on Friday night to catch a glimpse of the coveted Webb Ellis trophy, with queues stretching back towards the town park's tennis courts.

Young rugby fans were given an early glimpse as the cup was flown in by helicopter to Trowbridge Rugby Club's Green Lane home at about 5.45pm.

Whisked on to the Civic Hall the cup was placed behind an armoured case, where rugby fans got two-hours to have their picture taken alongside the prize.

A giant TV screen kept the waiting crowds entertained displaying England's famous World Cup final victory over host nation Australia.

Steve James, Civic Hall supervisor, said England fans turned out in force to catch sight of the trophy on its Sweet Chariot tour.

"I think everyone who queued up got a chance to see it and have their picture taken," he said.

Five west Wiltshire rugby clubs played their part in bringing the cup to Trowbridge after plans to take it to Warminster's School of Infantry fell through.

The cup moved on to Chippenham on Saturday, where it took pride of place at the town rugby club's Allington Field home.