Two summers ago saw the final whistle blown on the Hospital Cup, the oldest amateur cup competition in the world.

But now, a replacement is set to be launched, and the organisers are buzzing over the prospect.

Chief organiser Mark Mercer has teamed up with Calderstones Hospital and the Marsden Building Society to launch the Bird Trophy, with kick-off taking place on August 17th.

And Mercer was full of excitement about its relaunch: "It's very sad that since the Hospital Cup disbanded, there has been no other way for teams to prepare for a season.

"I know Calderstones have organised tournaments in the past, and they have been waiting for something special to use this trophy for.

"It has all come together rather nicely really, but we have 12 teams interested already so we'll see how it goes.

"Obviously if it could eventually become as big as the Hospital Cup was that would be a dream, but we're not getting carried away."

The silverware is believed to have been donated to Calderstones by the Ribble Valley League around the start of the Second World War in 1939, as a tribute for their war efforts.

And while the new tournament will not be on the same scale as the Hospital Cup initially, it is felt that its popularity may grow in years to come.

As with the Hospital Cup, which to this day takes pride of place in the Turf Moor trophy cabinet, and was only brought out for the final, the new trophy will be presented to the winners for photographs, but will then be kept at Calderstones NHS Trust, with the winners provided with a replica.

Russ Pearce, chief executive of Calderstones NHS Trust, said: "We have been waiting for an occasion from which to re-launch the Bird Trophy, and this represents an excellent opportunity to do just that."

And Jenny Yerkess, Investment Administration Manager from the Marsden, said: "The Marsden Building Society is pleased to be working with Calderstones NHS Trust to provide an opportunity for local football teams to prepare for the start of a new season and be given the chance of winning such a prestigious trophy."

The tournament is open to all teams who are registered with the Lancashire or West Riding Football Associations, and provides the opportunity for teams to play at least three pre-season matches.

The Calderstones and Marsden Building Society Football Tournament commences at the Trawden Recreation Ground on Sunday, August 17th, and any team wanting further details or an application form is asked to contact Mark Mercer (07800 806033).