YORK City Knights' title-winning achievements will be officially commemorated by City of York Council with an open-top bus ride and formal civic reception.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 10, following the Knights' last match of the season, away to Sheffield Eagles on Friday, September 9.

An open-top bus will carry the players and staff - and the LHF National League Two trophy - from Clarence Street Coach Park, which is near to York rugby league's old ground, along Gillygate, St Leonard's and Blake Street before turning into St Helen's Square, where it will stop at the Mansion House.

The Knights will then be joined by a civic party, and the Lord Mayor of York will welcome and congratulate them on behalf of the city. A civic reception for players and official will then take place in the Mansion House.

City of York Council events officer Liz Topi said: "From obscurity to National League One - it's a dream come true for the Knights.

"It is not so many years ago when rugby league in York was at a point of ending. Now they have been promoted to NL1 following an outstanding season, with still two games to go. The next stop is Super League.

"It is hoped the people of York will come out to add their thanks."

A big turnout of fans is expected at Huntington Stadium this Sunday when the Knights will be officially presented with their NL2 trophy immediately after their final home game of 2005, against Workington (KO 3pm).

Knights coach Mick Cook will be pitting his wits against Tony Benson at Leigh Centurions next season.

Relegated Super League club Leigh have appointed the 38-year-old New Zealander Tony Benson as their new coach on a two-year contract.

Benson, who has been Junior Kiwi coach since 2003, was chosen from a list of 38 applicants and succeeds Darren Abram.

Updated: 10:16 Friday, September 02, 2005