A retired regional daily journalist has made a director of a professional rugby club.

Rugby league side Barrow raiders have announced the appointment of Leo Clarke, left, formerly of the North West Evening Mail, to its board.

Leo covered the club for both the Evening Mail and national newspapers prior to his retirement earlier this year, and is briefed in his new role with taking responsibility for media and communications.

The club currently ply their trade in League One, European rugby league’s third tier.

Leo told the Evening Mail: “Before moving to Barrow I knew very little about rugby league, but I instantly fell in love with the game and soon began writing reports, mainly for national newspapers.

“My most memorable moment of that time was covering the Lancashire Cup semi-final in 1983, which Barrow won.

“They went on to lift the trophy in what was a memorable year.”

Leo added that he felt “very flattered and honoured that I was considered by the current members” of the club for the position.