EXCITED pupils at Tweedbank Primary got close to the Scottish Cup on Monday.

Officials from Hibernian brought down the trophy as part of their Persevered tour, to show off the accolade which took them 114 years to win.

Children queued up to get their photos taken with the oldest cup in the world and were treated to a special presentation which showed a clip of the Hibees’ famous 3-2 win over rangers at Hampden in May.

Head teacher Alyson Weir told the Border Telegraph: “The children were so excited this morning to see the cup. I said everyone could wear a football shirt for the day and they have all come in their favourite club’s colours.

“It’s been a great event for everyone and we are really pleased Hibernian football club got in touch with us to do it,” she added.

“We were really keen to have the trophy here and we hope it teaches a lesson. The tour is called Persevered so it’s a good message to send out. We want to show the kids how important is to keep trying and doing their best.

“We must also thank David Moffat, who is a parent and a Hibs fan, as he has brought in loads of scarves and flags for the assembly.”

The tour has been going for around two months now and the trophy has been at a different event each day.

Sue McLernon, the club’s Community Engagement Manager added: “It has just been so busy. The trophy has been out every day and night.

“We started the tour at the end of August in Leith and we have since been to schools in East Lothian and into the Borders.

“Up next we will be touring Midlothian, West Lothian, Fife and then Falkirk. We’re even taking it to hospital for our ill fans.”

Sue also says the tour helps spread the word about the club and will hopefully encourage more people to get involved.

She added: “The response has been absolutely amazing and it has given us an opportunity to build on our fanbase and encourage people to go to Easter Road on a Saturday.

“We also want to promote the motto of Leith which is ‘persevered’ to tell kids not to give up.

“It took us 114 years to win the cup and we didn’t give up. We want to show them that you can achieve anything.”