THE coveted Cricket World Cup trophy has been showcased at two of the conurbation's schools, ahead of the international tournament set for England and Wales.

St James' Church of England Primary Academy, Pokesdown, Bournemouth; and Longfleet Church of England Primary School, Poole, hosted the trophy, which will be lifted by the team which triumphs in the one day international cricket contest this summer.

Both schools won a competition, to bid for the trophy, organised by the 'Chance to Shine' project, which promotes engagement in cricket for young people.

The trophy was on show at St James' Primary on Thursday morning, before moving on to the Poole school in the afternoon. Both schools also held a number of cricket-related events throughout the day.

St James' vice principal Alastair Brown said: "At St James' we value every child, as a member of our community, and a stakeholder in the world that we live in.

"We aspire to inspire all children and the chance for a global brand, such as the ICC cricket world cup, was an opportunity to celebrate and give our children the opportunity to experience that 'wow' factor.

"The trophy itself represents something very special, and a representation of something special, a focal point for all nations."

Meanwhile, at Longfleet Primary School 600 pupils performed a 'cultural celebration' using song, dance and drama to showcase the diversity of the nations set to take part in the cricket world cup.

Headteacher Nigel Helm said: "In the morning all the pupils took part in coaching sessions led by the Dorset Cricket Board and spent time learning about the ten countries that are taking part in the competition.

"To open the occasion the school’s brass players performed a rousing fanfare as the curtain was pulled back to reveal the trophy itself.

"Two of the school’s pupils play cricket for Dorset and they were delighted to have their picture taken next to the actual world cup."