TWO pub quiz contestants decided the best answer was to run off with the trophy.

While the entries were being marked, they grabbed the cup from a table in the Kings Arms, in Crouch Street, Colchester, and fled towards the town centre.

Suzanne Deveney, general manager of the pub, said: “They obviously have done it for some sort of dare or prank.

“Initially, it was quite shocking and we rang the police, but afterwards we laughed and couldn’t help but see the humour in it.

“They obviously didn’t have enough brain power for the quiz, so they decided to use their brawn to snatch the trophy.

“We have never had anything like this happen before.

“It is quite a peaceful area with discerning customers.

“The police came quite quickly and took it very seriously, looking at CCTV before going off to try to retrieve it, so we are grateful to them.”

A bottle of champagne has been offered as a reward for the safe return of the trophy, which is engraved and worth about £75.

No replacement has been ordered, but the quiz will continue next week as normal.

Mrs Deveney, who has worked at the pub for nine years, said: “Nothing will stop the quiz – it has been running every Sunday for about 20 years.

“We are hoping to get it back. Even if it comes back a bit dented, it will have added character.

“Pickles the dog found the 1966 World Cup trophy when it was stolen, but unfortunately we are relying on kind people to find it for us, as we don’t have a dog to sniff it out.”

If you have any information, call Colchester police on 101.

Officers said one of the men was wearing a white T-shirt with a low V-neck and blue trousers, while the second was wearing a blue T-shirt with a large stain from a spill down the front.