THE Davis Cup – one of sport's most iconic trophies – which is 4ft tall and weighs 105kg, was at Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club last Thursday during the AEGON Ilkley Trophy.

The so-called 'wedding cake', which is a sterling silver punchbowl on top of three tiers, is on a nationwide tour to celebrate Great Britain winning the trophy last November for the first time since 1936.

Visitors were able to book time slots to see the trophy and take photographs, including the ball girls and boys, all students of Ilkley Grammar School who undertook weeks of intensive practice to take on the role.

The trophy, which is 107cm at its widest, was designed by William B Durgin's of Concord, New Hampshire, and was crafted by Englishman Rowland Rhodes.

The Davis Cup was the brainchild of Dwight Davis, one of Harvard University's four tennis team members, who wanted an annual competition between the United States and Great Britain, but it has grown to encompass 138 nations this year.