CRICKET World Cup fever swept into Somerset today as the trophy tour made its way through the county.

The trophy began the day on the West Somerset Railway before visiting Castle School in Taunton and spending the afternoon in the Orchard Shopping Centre.

A Castle School spokesperson said: "Somerset Cricket Board have given us this opportunity as they value the commitment we show to cricket in the area.

"Students have been given the opportunity to have a photo and to see the trophy up close.

"Thanks to Bridgwater and Taunton College for using their Sports Hall.

"Students took part in a cricket tournament to hopefully win the trophy.

"More than 30 boys and girls in Years 7-9 took part in a competition with India being crowned the World Champions.

"Fingers crossed it will be Eoin Morgan getting his hands on the trophy come the summer.

"The students were delighted to see the trophy and it will hopefully inspire a cricketing generation for the future.

"One student said 'I can't believe the trophy is here in our school, it's so amazing!'

"Thanks to Somerset Cricket Board for giving us this amazing opportunity."

Among the fans to get pictures with the trophy in the Orchard Shopping Centre were James Mayled and Ben Hallows, both of whom represent Somerset's Disabled XI and were in action for the England Disabled XI at Lord's yesterday.

Hallows said: "I've got tickets for all three World Cup matches in Taunton and the semi-final at Edgbaston. I can't wait."

James Crute, part of the event organising team on the tour, said: "We are just over two weeks into the trophy tour and it has been really good so far.

"It has been great to see the reaction in schools and in places that wouldn't normally get to host events like this.

"Some of the schools have even put on musicals for the trophy coming.

"It was a real success in Minehead this morning and the weather held, which was a bonus!"