AN eight-year-old girl is getting ready to lead her rugby league heroes out at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday.

Calleigh Smallman, of Windsor Road, Higher Folds, had her signed Leigh Centurions shirt snatched off her from a teenager as she was walking home after playing with her friends.

After hearing about Calleigh's stolen top, her favourite players Ben Reynolds and Jamie Acton sent video messages of support to her and promised to replace her shirt.

The two players visited St Gabriels Catholic Primary School last week to meet Calleigh and drop off her new signed shirt as well as a signed training top from Jamie.

She has now been invited to be the club mascot for Leigh's Ladbrokes Challenge Cup game against London Broncos in which she will walk out wearing her signed shirt.

Calleigh's dad Paul, 43, said: "I think the Centurions have gone above and beyond for Calleigh since what happened to her- it is brilliant how great they have been.

"Calleigh was very excited when she realised she was meeting her favourite players at her school and now she cannot wait for Sunday.

"She has asked me to buy a card so she can say thank you to the club.

"Calleigh will be nervous on Sunday but I think she will do an amazing job."

After meeting Ben and Jamie at school last week, Calleigh was invited to the Centurions training session on Saturday ahead of their resounding 72-20 victory away at Sheffield Eagles the following day.

As well as walking her team out on Sunday, Calleigh will meet up with regular club mascot Parky Pig before seeing the players during their warm-up and being treated to a pitchside tour.

She will then take up her regular spot with her family in the North Stand to cheer on her side.

Her older sister, hairdresser Ally, will style Calleigh's hair on the day too.