RUGBY League aces Leigh Centurions will be hailed as heroes at a civic reception for the promoted side next month.

The club's achivement in gaining promotion to the Super League will be marked by Wigan Council at Leigh Town Hall on a date yet to be fixed.

And the messages of congratulations continue to flood in following the long battle to play alongside the game's elite.

The club has spent the last 11 years out of the top flight but their extra time Grand Final victory over Whitehaven on Sunday enabled them to at last make the climb. Leigh won 32-16.

Even Prime Minister Tony Blair was impressed. He said:""I would like to send my warm congratulations to everyone involved with Leigh Centurions Rugby League Club on achieving the long-held goal of Super League status.

"Andy Burnham, MP for Leigh, has told me what this means for the town and I hope it will give everyone a great boost. With plans for the Leigh Sports Village taking shape, the club looks set to go from strength to strength.

"Well done and good luck to Leigh in the Super League."

Mr Burnham also added his congratulations. He said: "It was a rollercoaster ride, but the players showed character and grit when it mattered and have taken us back where we belong.

"It was a great night and a moment to savour for the whole town. It will has given Leigh a big lift and we have much to look forward to."