THE Rugby World Cup involved local youngsters in a series of events last week as the England Message ball was carried through Gloucestershire and Gwent on its way to the Millennium Stadium at Cardiff.

Pupils from Dean Magna school at Mitcheldean and Whitecross School, Lydney, were involved in relaying the ball, while pupils from Lydney Church of England School took part in a Rugby World Cup Roadshow at Lydney RFC's Regentsholme ground.

The ball was carried on to Wyedean School at Sedbury from which pupils took part in a unique "crossing the border" ceremony cheered on by county, Lydney and Chepstow RFC officials.