OTLEY'S former MP has been honoured for playing an 'outstanding' role in promoting rugby league.

Greg Mulholland has also been made an Honorary Life Member of the All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group, which he chaired for seven years.

Mr Mulholland was presented with the group's Outstanding Service Award at its annual dinner this week.

In her letter of congratulations the group's current Chair, Judith Cummins MP, thanked him for his 'admirable' commitment to supporting the sport.

She added: "The group achieved some notable successes under your leadership.

"As you know, the group has the sole remit to support support the sport of rugby league football and Honorary Life Membership is awarded to those we feel have done the same over a sustained period.

"We are therefore delighted to welcome you to the group in this way."

Mr Mulholland, who held the Leeds North West seat for the Liberal Democrats from 2005 to 2017, said: "I’m delighted and honoured to have been given this award - thanks to current officers and members.

"It means a lot and I will treasure it.

"I am proud to receive this award following the likes of David Hinchliffe, Ian McCartney and Neil Turner.

"I’m also proud of what the group achieved in my seven years chairing it and campaigning for, and promoting, Rugby League in Westminster, Whitehall and worldwide.

"I’m also very proud to have formed the Political Animals (a charity rugby fixture) and scoring a try in the first ever game at Headingley is a moment I will always savour!

"I want to say a big thanks to all the officers I worked with as chair, to Mark Ramsdale and Jack Baker for their excellent work as the group’s Secretariat and to the Rugby Football League and group’s sponsors, all of whom enabled

us to make a real impact in Westminster and and be a strong voice for rugby league nationally and internationally.

"I wish my successor as Chair, Judith Cummins MP, the other officers and the whole group best wishes for the future and, as a proud honorary life member, I will continue to support them and their important work."