ROSSENDALE'S deputy mayor thinks he has a stronger link than most with the FA Cup.

For Coun David Hancock is proud of his family's footballing tradition that goes back to before the turn of the century,

David's grandad Francis Hancock played for Newton Heath, the football team that went on to become known as Manchester United.

And his granny Agnes had the dubious honour of washing the team's muddy kit every week.

David will be one of the first in the queue to lift the famous FA Cup when it comes to Asda in Rawtenstall on September 18.

He said: "This will be a great moment in my life. I have always dreamed of holding up the FA Cup."

AXA, sponsors of the famous competition, are bringing the cup to Rossendale to raise money for local charities.

The event has been organised by Asda staff Anita Carter and Chris Holmes who have also managed to get their hands on raffle prizes including signed Blackburn Rovers pictures, a framed signed picture of the homecoming of treble-winning Manchester United, a signed Bolton Wanderers shirt and a signed ball from Burnley.

The week before the cup arrives all the football memorabilia will be on display at the store.

People will be able to have their picture taken with the cup from 9am to 6pm on the day for a fee of £3 per person or £5 for a group picture with all proceeds going to Rossendale Hospice.

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