Long Melford Football Club has opened its doors for a special exhibition to mark 150 years of the sport in the village.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ian Sandham with some of the items he has loaned for an exhibition that is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Long Melford FC. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAMIan Sandham with some of the items he has loaned for an exhibition that is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Long Melford FC. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

The anniversary – which was today, August 19 – saw people visit the club to look over photographs from times gone by as well as treasured memorabilia such as vintage boots and footballs.

Long Melford FC formed as a village side in 1868 and went from playing on the church green all the way to dominating the Suffolk Senior Cup in the 1950s.

Speaking earlier this week, John Nunn, a director of the club and who runs the Long Melford Heritage Centre, said: “I believe the local vicar from Holy Trinity Church in Long Melford started the football club to keep the villagers amused as it were.

“And in all the early photographs from 1800 to 1900 the vicar is in the photographs with the team.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Visitors look over the exhibition at Long Melford FC that celebrates the 150th anniversary of the club. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAMVisitors look over the exhibition at Long Melford FC that celebrates the 150th anniversary of the club. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

The exhibition is in the clubhouse and is available to view on match days throughout the rest of the season.