The Barclays Premier League trophy is unlikely to be hoisted aloft at the County Ground in the near future.

But Barclays Bank is giving football fans in Swindon the opportunity to see at first hand the ultimate prize in English football and have their photographs take with it.

The trophy will be visiting the Barclays branch at Regent Street Swindon on Wednesday, and with that being right in the middle of half-term the bank is expecting a busy day.

Visitors to the branch on the day can also enter a free prize draw for two tickets to see the Premier League team of their choice.

The UK-wide whirlwind tour of the Barclays Premier League trophy is designed to bring the most sought-after prize in English football closer to fans.

Matt Dyer, branch manager, said: "I'm delighted to give people in Swindon the chance to see the Premier League Trophy.

"Everyone is welcome to come down and have their photo taken with the trophy that was presented to Manchester United last season."

The Barclays Premier League Trophy is one of the most famous symbols in football.

Due to its value, the Barclays Premier League trophy is always flanked by two security guards when on display. And Barclays have a no-touch' policy regarding the trophy.

"Because we regard it as priceless it could get worn away over the years if we allowed too many people to handle it," said Julia Husband, public relations director with Barclays.

"But we certainly hope that lots of people will want to take their own photographs next to the trophy.

"The branch will be open between 9-30am and 4-30pm next Wednesday. The more the merrier."

TROPHY DETAILS

  • The trophy stands at three foot five inches tall and twenty four inches wide.
  • The total weight of the trophy is four stone. The base of the trophy accounts for two and a half stone alone.
  • Cast by Asprey and Garrard, the Crown Jewellers, the main body of the trophy is made from solid sterling silver. The crown is cast from 24 carat silver gilt, to a depth of half a millimetre.
  • The base of the trophy is made from Malachite, a semi-precious stone found in Africa. The green colour of the opaque stone represents the field of play.
  • The design of the trophy is based on the theme of The Three Lions of English Football. Two of the lions can be found above the handles on either side of the trophy. When the captain of the title winning team raises the trophy (and its gold crown) above his head at the end of the season, he becomes the third lion.
  • The trophy is officially classed as priceless.