YORK City Knights will induct no fewer than 20 former players, coaches, supporters and officials into the new York Rugby League Legends roster.

They will be inducted at the club's end-of-season awards ceremony, which will be held at the Royal York Hotel on Friday, October 9.

The Legends tag recognises people who have made an outstanding contribution to the game on or off the pitch, are a character of York Rugby League, have contributed to the history of York Rugby League, and have made a significant impact to the game of rugby league in the city.

In addition to former crowd favourites such as Danny Brough, Dave Dunkerley, Rich Hayes, Kevin Harkin, Gary Smith, Graham Steadman and Scott Rhodes, who is now York Acorn ARLC's head coach, the list includes such figures as 2005 National League Two-winning head coach Mick Cook, who has also given up free time as a reserves coach, former British Amateur Rugby League Association chairman and long-standing BARLA and York ARL committee member Spen Allison, match official and club statistician Stuart Evans, and former club physio and long-time supporter and sponsor of rugby league at all levels Jim Bone.

Steve Ferres, the former player who was heavily involved in re-forming the Knights following the demise of York Wasps and was the inaugural chief executive, is also included.

The Legends has been launched on the back of the York City Knights Foundation heritage project, which started earlier this year and which is aims to research the history of rugby league in York as the 150th anniversary of the York club approaches.

Neil Gulliver, Foundation manager, said: “The purpose of the 'York and Proud Heritage Programme' is to record, recognise and celebrate the history of the professional and community game in York in the last 150 years.

"The introduction of the Legends is a great way to recognise the influence individuals have had on the sport in York not only on the pitch but also off it. The Foundation is proud to acknowledge the fantastic impact these individuals have made on the sport in York and look forward to inducting more members in future.”

The black tie awards dinner doubles up as the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Knights Foundation charity, with all money raised on the evening to be match funded by the Parliament Street branch of Barclays Bank.

Tickets cost at £45 each and £450 for tables of ten. They include a red carpet reception, welcome drink, three-course meal, fundraising games, awards ceremony and late-night disco. To book, phone 01904 767404.

The full list of inductees is: Spen Allison, Garry Atkins, Jim Bone, Danny Brough, Mark Cain, Mick Cook, Dave Dunkerley, Stu Evans, Steve Ferris, Kevin Harkin, Rich Hayes, Geoff Hunter, Paul McDermott, Geoff Pryce, Mick Ramsden, Scott Rhodes, Danny Sheehan, Gary Smith, Graham Steadman, Chris Thorman.