A HANDSOME trophy that survived being dumped on a rubbish tip and was last won nearly 70 years ago will again be keenly competed for by local gardeners.

The nine-inch high challenge trophy, originally presented to the winner of a collection of vegetables at Finstall Flower and Vegetable Show, was presented by Captain Ryland in 1934.

For some reason the cup bears only the names of the three following winners, one of which in 1935 was Hubert Clarke. Its whereabouts for many of the intervening years is a mystery.

Now the cup is back with the show committee to the delight of its chairman Stephen Godber, who lives in Alcester Road.

The 72-year-old retired Smethwick funeral director said: "We are rather surprised but delighted that it has come home again after more than sixty years. We plan to award it again at this year's show in the village hall in September." Stephen said they have to thank Ken Clarke from Carol Avenue, Bromsgrove, for the cup's safe return.

Ken said that details surrounding the cup's disappearance are sketchy but it is known that 15 years ago it was found on a tip and handed over to his brother Dennis who died about two months ago.

Ken has since inherited the cup and, wishing to return it to the show committee contacted Finstall Post Office - who put him in touch with Stephen.

"I'm very pleased it will be competed for again," said Ken "And I wish good luck to the winner."

Ken's father was a gardener on the Dixon's estate at Tardebigge and lived in Dusthouse Lane.

Captain later major Llewellyn Ryland was a prominent and philanthropic figure in Bromsgrove for many years. He lived at Walnut Cottage, Finstall, before moving to Devon in the 1950s. He died in 1972.

Last week we told how an envelope addressed to him from Newfoundland is set to be auctioned in London on February 4 and is expected to fetch £3,000.