SALISBURY played host to a special cup when it called in as part of a tour of the 50 cities of England to promote peace, friendship and harmony.

The Loving Cup of England, which can trace its history back to the Middle Ages, was officially received by the Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor Sheila Warrander, at a ceremony in the Guildhall.

The silver gilt cup, whose history is steeped in treachery and murder, is now used for good and charity and is touring England as a build-up to St George's Day on April 23.

During the ceremony, the cup was filled with English apple juice to enable people from all walks of life to drink from it in an act of common celebration of peace, friendship and harmony within their community and the communities of England.

Mrs Warrander said she was delighted Salisbury was able to join in "this unique event."

She added: "We are a city with a long and proud history of tradition, and I know the people who live and work here feel a sense of pride in our community."

Bruno Peek, the chairman and national organiser of the Loving Cup tour, who has played a leading role in such events as the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the Trafalgar bi-centenary and Millennium celebrations, said he believed Salisbury citizens would agree there is "much to celebrate in England."

He added: "We all lead such busy lives that little of our time is devoted to recognising and appreciating the place in which we live.

"That's why St George's Day is so important, and I believe the grand tour of the Loving Cup will act as a catalyst to get us all thinking about this great country of ours."

The cup is raising money for three charities, the Association for International Cancer Research, the Royal National Institute for the Deaf and the Women's Royal Voluntary Service.