THE FA Cup silverware was in Brightlingsea on Thursday evening as the build-up continues towards this weekend's big third qualifying round showdown between Regent and Torquay United.

The former Football League side are in town for a 3pm kick-off at the Taydal Stadium on Saturday.

To mark the occasion, FA representatives brought the famous silverware to town for a special photoshoot with R's chairman Terry Doherty, manager Tom Rothery and captain Matt Cripps.

Supporters also had a chance to have their picture taken with the cup before the players took part in an open training session.

Torquay, of National League South, are travelling to Essex on Friday.

They are having a training session at Five Lakes before spending the night at a hotel on the outskirts of Colchester.

This is the furthest Brightlingsea have ever got in the competition and they have already earned more than £15,000 in prize money. Another £15,000 will be the reward for the winners of Saturday’s tie.

All pictures are reproduced with kind permission of the FA.