A TROPHY awarded to the sportsmen who wrote their names in the history books last year is on display in Bournemouth today.

The Davis Cup, claimed by British players in 2015 for the first time in 79 years, has been on a tour of the UK since April 1.

It took pride of place in the Square after being on show at schools and tennis clubs nationally.

Richard Henshaw, chair of Dorset County Tennis, said: "It's the biggest sports trophy in the world.

"Winners don't lift the trophy - they're presented it, because it's just so big.

"There's so much history that goes along with it.

"It's 110 years old."

The competition itself is the premier international team event in men's tennis.

It is run by the International Tennis Federation and is contested annually between teams from competing countries in a knock-out format.

Organisers describe it as the 'world cup of tennis', and winners are referred to as the world champion team.

The event first began in 1900 as a challenge between Britain and the United States.

This year, 130 nations have entered teams into the competition.

Mr Henshaw said: "Great Britain have won it a lot, but last year was the first time since 1936.

"That's why it's so special."

Representatives from Dorset County Tennis hosted a series of games for young players in the town centre as part of the trophy's tour.

Bournemouth mayor Councillor Eddie Coope and MP Conor Burns also visited to see the prize.

"We were given a chance to display the trophy and we wanted to put it in a public place where everyone could come and see it," said Mr Henshaw.

"It could have gone in a tennis club, but really we wanted lots of people to have the chance to come along."