A REGIMENTAL museum in North Yorkshire has netted a unique piece of history to add to its exhibits.

The football used in the landmark match between a team of British troops and other international peace-keepers and an Afghani side at a Kabul stadium, which was previously used by the Taliban for public executions, has been presented to the Green Howards Regimental Museum in Richmond by Field Marshal The Lord Inge of Richmond.

The game, which took place last month, was the first proper match since the Taliban took power in 1996, although it was preceded by off-pitch violence as thousands of ticketless fans tried to get into the stadium.

Under the Taliban, football was only allowed under very strict rules. Players were not allowed to wear shorts and spectators could not shout or cheer.

Lord Inge won the ball in a raffle at the Variety Club of Great Britain's annual dinner and wanted to put it on display at his old regiment's museum.

Lieutenant Colonel Neil McIntosh, curator at the museum, said: "The Green Howards are proud of their football heritage. One of our 18 Victoria Crosses was won by a professional footballer in the First World War (former Harrogate schoolteacher Second Lieutenant Donald Bell) and the famous Middlesbrough footballer Wilf Mannion was a sergeant in the regiment in the Second World War.

"This symbol of peace from war-torn Afghanistan will be displayed with pride in our museum for all to see."

Updated: 10:58 Thursday, March 07, 2002