LEIGH Centurions’ Martyn Ridyard will be honoured next week in his testimonial match to recognise the service he has given to his beloved club.

The popular half-back, who last season became only the third player in Leigh’s history to score 2,000 points for the club, will be the centre of attention at Leigh Miners Welfare Institute on Friday, January 17.

A team of current and former Centurions players will line up against a joint side from Leigh Miners and Leigh East at 7.30pm in a fun-filled occasion that will include live music from Ashlea Collins.

Ridyard, who first played for the Centurions in 2009, has fond memories of watching Leigh's old A team at Hilton Park with his dad Alf on Thursday nights from the age of five.

Speaking about his career at the club, the 33-year-old, who learnt his trade at Leigh Miners before progressing to the Centurions academy, said: “It feels a little bit surreal and I think ‘where has the time gone?’

"There have been ups and downs but I would not swap anything.

"I've had a good time and made some friends for life."

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Ridyard, who has kicked more than 830 goals and scored 80 tries for Leigh, says the 2011 and 2013 Northern Rail Cup wins are among his proudest achievements.

The club’s promotion to the Super League in 2016 was memorable too.

People are encouraged to turn up to the event wearing their club colours regardless of who they support.

Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children and it is free for under 11s.

Spectators will be given a free pie and prizes such as a signed shirt and a meal for four at a Centurions home match will be up for grabs in a raffle.

Tickets are on sale at the Boars Head pub, The Centurion pub, the Leigh Centurions market stall and Bond Street Labour Club.