Famous rugby trophy visits St Helens Hall rugby fans

RUGBY fan residents at St Helens Hall took it in turns to hold the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup when it came to the care home.

St Helens retained the cup last year in front of a record UK crowd at Elland Road.

It was brought to the home by Saints Community Development Foundation and residents and staff had the chance to hold it aloft and be photographed with it – along with the League Leadership Shield.

Resident and retired engineer Albert Knowles, a huge rugby fan, said: “I’ve followed the Saints all of my life and watched them play across the country.

“My friends and I would regularly travel in my Austin van to see them play.

“I’ve got lots of happy memories of watching them play so it was brilliant when the trophy was brought to the home. I’m looking forward to seeing a match again soon.”

Jackie Smith, who has been activities co-ordinator at the home for 10 years, said: “The Saints Community Development Foundation is fabulous and they do a lot with the local community.

“When they came in with the cup and the shield, it brought back some very happy rugby memories for a number of our residents, who have followed the team with a passion throughout their lives.

“With the help of the Foundation