YORK Acorn ARLC will welcome one of the biggest names in rugby league to the Minster city on Sunday.

The Blue and Golds are to stage an event at their Thanet Road base in respect of Leeds Rhinos' former Great Britain international prop Barrie McDermott.

The 32-year-old, who made his Leeds debut in 1995-96, is in his testimonial year at Headingley and this event at York Acorn, on Sunday afternoon, February 6, is part of those festivities.

The bash is like a sportsman's dinner but with simple pie and peas. Entertainment will be provided by a comedian, while McDermott will take part in a question and answer session. A comprehensive video of Leeds' Super League-winning campaign of last year, including McDermott's contribution to that, will also be shown. Other Super League players will also be there on the day.

Acorn agreed to arrange the event on behalf of Richard Collier, boss of Copmanthorpe-based Collier Plant Hire, which is a sponsor of York City Knights, York Acorn and the Rhinos.

Tickets cost £7.50 and can be bought from York Acorn, tel 01904 330351. The club advise people to check there is availability before turning up on the day. The event is for people aged 16 and above.

McDermott's last trip to York was for the pre-season friendly between the Knights and the Rhinos at Bootham Crescent on January 3. McDermott didn't play but was one of the Rhinos' international stars collecting for the tsunami appeal outside the ground, which raised a staggering £2,981.

Updated: 10:44 Tuesday, February 01, 2005