But this time it was Blue Watch from Hayling Island's RNLI lifeboat station who were celebrating with the treasured silverware.

They were given the task of guarding Pompey's pride and joy during a night of fund-raising for the men and women who risk life and limb to save lives at sea.

The trophy was taken along to Hayling by club chief executive Peter Storrie for the special event, raising more than £4,000 for the charity which survives entirely on voluntary donations.

The event was organised by Simon Scutt, the owner and managing director of Marina Jaks, a seafood restaurant at Sparkes Marina in Wittering Road.

He said: 'The lifeboat station is based within a stone's throw of the restaurant and we really wanted to do something to help them.

'So combining Pompey with the lifeboat seemed like the natural thing to do and I really can't believe how much we raised.'

The evening started with people queuing and paying £10 a time to have their picture taken with the cup which the Blues won in May defeating Cardiff City in that never-to-be-forgotten Wembley final.

This was followed by a dinner and auction hosted by Mr Storrie and Mr Scutt.

Siri Young, the fund-raising chairwoman for the Hayling lifeboat, said: 'It's one of the best fund-raising nights we've ever had.

'I still can't quite believe how much we raised.

'We made so much because three people ended up bidding £1,000 for tickets to a game at Fratton Park with seats in the directors' box.

'At that point Peter Storrie stepped in, asked if they were all prepared to part with £1,000, and when they said they were, promptly said they could all have tickets.'

She added: 'It was a brilliant night and the money raised is invaluable to us because we rely totally on donations.'

chris.owen@thenews.co.uk