Bridge to be named in honour of late rugby legend.

The Saints Way bridge, linking the town centre to Langtree Park, home of St. Helens Rugby League Club is to be named the Steve Prescott bridge in honour of one of the club’s greatest players.

Making the announcement, Council Leader Barrie Grunewald said:  “Steve was a first class ambassador not only for rugby but for the town.  As well as being a legend of the game he is also honoured for his tireless fundraising for his Steve Prescott Foundation.

“By naming the bridge after him is our tribute to one of the greats of St.Helens and a most well deserved honour, all the more so that the bridge links the town Steve loved so much to his beloved club."

Former Super League international Steve Prescott, who battled a rare form of stomach cancer, recently died aged 39.

Steve, who played for St Helens, Hull and Wakefield and for England and Ireland, was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei in 2006.

The full-back was given only months to live but battled the disease and in 2009 was awarded an MBE.

He also raised thousands of pounds for charity through the Steve Prescott Foundation.

He retired through injury in 2004, after spending a year out of the game with a broken kneecap, and following his diagnosis set up the foundation in 2007, which has to date raised more than half a million pounds.

Mike Rush said: "It is only fitting that one of St Helens' greatest sons has such an honour bestowed on him and we are delighted that St Helens Council has taken this decision. "Steve will be missed by us all and the Club will also make sure he has a fitting legacy at Langtree Park. We will start that process when Saints take on Hull FC on the 21st February"

Mike Denning Chairman of the Steve Prescott Foundation added: "This is very fitting for a real life Hero and Sporting icon born here in our town. Steve has inspired so many and has raised awareness of not only the very rare form of cancer which he battled but also the plight of those injured or fallen on hard times in the great game of Rugby League. "

An official opening of the newly named bridge will take place on the 21st February along with others events that will show how much Steve meant to the St Helens RFC and Hull FC Rugby League communities.