On the 25th August 2005 the George Hotel in Huddersfield is to formally recognise its place in the game's history with the opening of a permanent rugby league exhibition.

The famous hotel, where the game was founded in 1895, is currently undergoing major refurbishment which includes all public areas being decorated with rugby league memorabilia. And now Brook Hotels, owners of The George, and Tri-Nations sponsors Gillette have joined forces to create a major new attraction - the Gillette Rugby League Heritage Centre.

The hotel's basement is being re-fitted to house the displays, which include rare shirts, caps and medals plus over 200 framed pictures. When officially opened on August 30th, the centre will feature plasma screens and floor-to-ceiling graphics charting the game's progress over 110 years in a user friendly format that will appeal to all ages.

The Heritage Centre is the brainchild of Sky Sports presenter Mike Stephenson, who has donated his entire personal collection to the project. It follows a similar initiative he organised in Australia in the 1970s, when his mobile exhibition toured the country by train.

Stephenson said: ìEver since I was a young player at Dewsbury it has always been my ambition to create a Heritage Centre that not only displays memorabilia but gives families the opportunity to find out more about our game whilst at the same time recognising the social history of the north of England.

ìFor years, the memorabilia has been in storage but Iím delighted that Brook Hotels and Gillette share my desire to create a permanent home for some wonderful items that illustrate the gameís long and proud history. I want this to be a tribute to all those people who, from 1895, played their part in the development of what Iím proud to call the greatest game of all.

ìMany individuals have donated or loaned items, and I am extremely grateful to them. The fact that the Heritage Centre will be housed in The George couldnít be more fitting. It will open almost 110 years to the day since that famous meeting took place to create the Northern Football Union, or Rugby League as we know it today.î

The centre will be open to the public from September 1st. Special rugby league themed events will be staged regularly, and the entire centre will be available for private hire, offering a unique venue for meetings, conferences and product launches.

Stephenson added: ìWe hope fans travelling to Huddersfield on a match day will set off a couple of hours early and take time to call at The George en-route. But other groups, such as schools and amateur clubs will also be encouraged to visit what will be an educational attraction. This will be a focal point for the whole game, mixing history and heritage with modern technology to showcase the game in a unique way.î

Umesh Ummat, managing director of Brook Hotels, added: ìSince acquiring The George, I have become a big fan of rugby league and have enjoyed learning about the gameís history. The events that took place in 1895 fascinate me, and I felt it right and proper that we did something to preserve that momentous occasion, and the development of the game since. I am delighted that we are now able to welcome the Gillette Rugby League Heritage Centre to The George.î

ENDS

Impress Sport are to assist in the day-to-day management of the centre. More information, including pictures and details of the official opening, will be released mid-August. All enquiries should be directed to Graham Clay on  01422 367777 or  07740 587758.