Bradford Bulls have rewarded a young fan brought to tears by the club's relegation with the chance to lead the team out in their game against Wigan Warriors on Sunday.

The 52-26 defeat against Huddersfield Giants which sealed the Bulls fate was all too much for seven year-old Harry Smith, from Clayton, who was pictured in Monday's Telegraph & Argus crying in the stands at The John Smith's Stadium.

After launching an appeal to track him down and "put a smile back on his face," the club found Harry, who plays rugby league for the West Bowling under-7s side, and told him of his prize.

As well as leading the team out at the Provident Stadium, Harry will also take part in the 'Team Run', the final training session before the game, and join the players in their pre-match warm-up.

He has also been made an honorary recipient of the Bulls squad number 39 for the remainder of the season.

A club spokesman said: "We are delighted to invite Harry to live the life of a Bulls player for the weekend.

“His emotions showed just how much our club means to each and every single supporter and, in a tough situation, reminded us why we are working tirelessly to bring back success.”

After losing their Super League status for the first time last weekend, the Bulls are set to outline their new business strategy at a fans event in the city next week.

An 'Evening with the Bulls' will take place at the Cedar Court Hotel on Wednesday, July 30.

Club chairman Marc Green, head coach James Lowes, chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul, managing director Steve Ferres, and the entire first-team squad are due to attend.

A club statement said further announcements on the playing squad for next season would be made on the night.

Mr Green said: “At the end of March, I was invited to take ownership of a major sporting organisation in Bradford Bulls and, with the help of some amazing, yet long-suffering staff and a new senior management team, we have, over the course of this short period, sifted through a mountain of debris, clearing the decks of mismanagement which brought this great club to its knees,and laid some firm foundations.

“The evening will allow me the opportunity to lay before fans the start of a business strategy which will put the Bulls on the road to where we should be, among the top echelons of the sport."

“I am confident fans will not be disappointed.”

The meeting is open to all Bulls supporters and will start at 7.15pm.