The FA Cup made an emotional return to Wimbledon last night when Wembley heroes Dave Beasant and Lawrie Sanchez were on hand to unveil a permanent exhibition chronicling the history of the club.

After years of campaigning Merton Council, along with the Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association, had secured a wealth of treasured memorabilia that is now on display at Morden Library.

Amongst other items on show are the match ball from Wimbledon's first game in the football league in 1977, a gallery of programmes and archive photographs, and a miniature version of the FA Cup presented to the club after their 1988 triumph.

Dave Beasant, captain and penalty-saving hero in that historic 1-0 victory over Liverpool, was delighted to see the memorabilia return.

Beasant said: "It's nice to see everything back here and it's great to see all the old faces.

"After all the campaigning it's fantastic that all these fabulous pieces are back in Merton where they truly belong."

An array of players past and present enjoyed the launch, including Roy Law, skipper of the side that won the FA Amateur Cup in 1963.

And Beasant was joined by match-winner Sanchez to recreate the scenes on the famous Wembley steps after the FA allowed the illustrious trophy to make the journey to Morden for the launch.

And Sanchez admitted he was immensely proud to be part of the club's tradition.

Sanchez said: "I am delighted that the honours have, at last, been returned to their rightful home in Merton.

"Throughout the club history players fought for them, supported by loyal fans and continually over-achieved.

"Now these honours are on show for the people of Merton and the fans of Wimbledon to enjoy."