BRADFORD rugby league referee Liam Staveley has passed his Grade One fitness test.

The former Wibsey junior, who is the highest grade an official can be without going full-time, can now referee professional games on a regular basis and his first assignment will be the Boxing Day derby between Bradford Bulls and Halifax at Odsal.

Four other officials took the gradings and Nick Yaxley, Alex Cameron, Rhiece Rhodes and Matthew Mickelthwaite were all classified as Grade Three officials, meaning that they can referee semi-professional matches.

Meanwhile, the Bradford & Keighley Referees' Society are seeking more recruits for the forthcoming season.

They hold meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at Clayton RLFC (7.30pm) and newcomers will be made welcome.