BORO TREASURES BEYOND THE PITCH AT THE CENTRAL LIBRARY By fmttm

The history and heritage of Middlesbrough Football Club is the focus of a new exhibition next week at Middlesbrough's Central Library.

Visitors will be captivated by a fascinating collection including many club artefacts from the MFC archives, with many items on public display for the first time.

Beyond the Pitch - part of an education programme by Middlesbrough Libraries Service and MFC Foundation - runs from Monday, September 16 to Friday, September 20.

Visitors can expect to find a contract signed by George Camsell, the club's record goalscorer, or Gareth Southgate's England shirt or the gleaming trophy presented to Boro when they won the Championship (as it is now) in 1995.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston and representatives from the MFC Foundation will officially launch the exhibition on Saturday (Sept 14), with more than 500 local school children set to take part in activities over the coming week.

The week will also feature the author of the The Bridge that George Built Rachel Wong who will be reading from her new book Football Boots and Dancing Shoes - What George Did Next to a school group on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Andy Preston said: "We all love the Boro - so to see Boro-related stuff in this beautiful building is fantastic.

"I'll definitely be there."

Beyond the Pitch is open to the public Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm to 7pm and Wednesday and Friday from 3pm to 5pm.

Admission is free.

