TERRY Hollindrake's family have expressed their gratitude as Cougars prepare to rename their North Stand in honour of him.

The Keighley legend passed away earlier this year, aged 80, and the newly-named Terry Hollindrake Stand will open in just over a week's time when York City Knights visit on Good Friday for the first league game of the season.

Hollindrake’s family will be present as guests of the Cougars along with past players from his era, who all played with him at some point.

Hollindrake's eldest son Terry said on behalf of the family: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to dad’s death and would like to publicly thank all those people who have spoken or written such great things about him.

“We are particularly grateful to Keighley Cougars and the directors who have named the stand in his honour.

“Dad lived and breathed rugby league, especially the Cougars.

“He would be thrilled, proud and very honoured at this tremendous accolade, as all our family are, including our mum Celia, had she been at the York game.

“It's a fantastic tribute and lasting memorial to him.”

The opening presentation will include local rugby's font of knowledge David Ingham, who will give a brief history of Hollindrake’s playing career, and Keighley MP Kris Hopkins will be opening the stand (at 2.30pm).

Hollindrake was Keighley RLFC’s only home-grown international rugby league player after featuring for Great Britain in the third Test at Headingley against New Zealand in 1955.

Cougars non-executive director Simon Harrison said: “The fans expressed a wish to have a part of the ground named after Terry and the directors of the club agreed it was an excellent idea.

“This coming weekend will see a group of volunteers at Cougar Park stripping off old signage ready for the new signage to be erected early the following week ready for the formal opening of the stand.

“This has been made possible with the support of the fans who have raised funds and help from three local businesses in Keighley.

“Sign & Design are erecting the sign for free and we only have to pay for the materials, while Skipton Hire Centre and B&W Plant Hire have loaned the machinery enabling us to carry out the works.

“All three companies recognised Terry Hollindrake's commitment to rugby league in Keighley and were only too happy to help with this project.”