LEIGH Leopards are London bound this Thursday on their way to Wembley Stadium for Saturday's Betfred Challenge Cup Final.

The team bus will leave from the main entrance of Leigh Sports Village at 10.30am and the club want as many Leopards fans as possible to be there on this special occasion.

Leopards fans are invited to gather from 10am onwards to be in good time for the send-off.

Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont said: “This is a dream come true for the town and it has rightly attracted a lot of media attention which will culminate with the cameras rolling down at Leigh Sports Village to capture the excitement and anticipation of what lies ahead.

“The lads will walk along a channelled area from the Whistling Wren past the Legends Bar to give plenty of time for fan engagement before boarding the coach in the usual place, adjacent to the player entrance.

“The coach will drive out towards the Holiday Inn and then back alongside Morrisons before heading down the bypass to the A580 as it makes its way to Wemberleigh.

“This will enable more space between the Wren and the coach to be filled with any fans who want to come and show their support, sending the boys off with their hairs standing on the back of their necks.

“It would be great to see as many people as possible cheering the lads on their way.

“We would ask, save for the roadway at the front of the stadium behind the coach, that fans keep to the pavements and gravel areas and keep themselves safe by avoiding the roads.

“It’s an exciting opportunity and on behalf of all the players and staff throughout the club I would like to thank everyone in the town for getting behind us and supporting us in whatever way they can.

“It means so much to the lads and we can’t wait to see the Leopards en masse in Wembley and the images of those who will celebrate and support from within the town.

“However you choose to watch the game, I hope you are able to enjoy it for the occasion and know that the lads will give everything they have for you.

“Yes, it’s real and it’s getting close now! I have goosebumps typing this!”