MYSTERY surrounds the disappearance of a hallowed football trophy which was stolen from a house in Radcliffe.

As the search for the Myles N. Kenyon Cup goes on, current holders MPG Landscapes are on their way to a successful defence of a trophy that may no longer exist. The team have reached the semi-finals of this season's competition.

The cup is the oldest football trophy played for locally, but it was taken from the club secretary's house in Coomassie Street in mid-January.

The treasured piece of silverware is 77 years old and it was first contested and presented in 1921, when Dumers Lane were the winners.

For many years, it was a showpiece final played at Bury FC's Gigg Lane home. More recently, Radcliffe Boro's Stainton Park ground has hosted the event.

The Kenyon Cup committee is now offering a reward in the hope of getting the trophy back.

The cup was commissioned by prominent Bury industrialist, Myles N. Kenyon with a view to raising cash for injured players. Mr Bob Casey (77), chairman of Bury and District Amateur Football League for 38 years and this year's Kenyon Cup committee chairman, said: "Early this century Mr Kenyon was a sportsman of great renown and captain of Lancashire County Cricket Club.

"Back then a player received no wages if he was hurt in a game and unable to work.

"Mr Kenyon set up the cup to raise money for players and referees injured in the cup competition or in games in the BDAFL.

"Kenyon Cup cash goes to the league and to the Referees Association Benevolent Fund, and grants are paid to players and referees from this."

Household goods were also stolen in the break-in.

Mr Casey said: "My biggest fear is that whoever had the cup has thrown it away, in a ditch or in the river, because they have realised they can't sell it.

The amount of the reward will be decided at a committee meeting next week.

The solid-silver trophy was once insured but the premiums lapsed. In mint condition, it is thought to be worth about £2,000, although melted down it might realise only about £50.

Mr Casey added: "Plans are in hand for the provision of a replacement cup for this season's winners. But the competition is already half-way through. It is a complicated situation."

Anyone with information can contact committee secretary Mr Paul Dugdale on 01204 884547 or Mr Casey on 0161 723 4942. If anyone finds the trophy it can be taken to the Bury Times office in Market Street, Bury.

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