Legends from past and present joined to kick-off Bradford's Centenary party in style at the Cedar Court Hotel.

It was on May 24, 1907 that the monumental decision was taken to form a new club following the previous Bradford opting to switch to Association Football.

And 100 years to the day, some of the great players, coaches and officials who have helped make Bradford Northern - and latterly Bulls - one of the most famous rugby league names, congregated to enjoy a fine gala dinner in celebration.

Legendary coach Peter Fox, who masterminded famous title successes in 1979/80 and 1980/81, joined modern-day great Brian Noble and current boss Steve McNamara.

Players from yesteryear such as Len Haley, Alan Lancaster, Dave and Alan Redfearn, Keith Mumby, James Lowes, Bernard Dwyer and Paul Medley mingled with the Bulls 2007 heroes such as captain Paul Deacon, Sam Burgess, Jamie Langley, Andy Lynch and Glenn Morrison.

Supporters joined in the celebrations as well as around 400 guests in what was a memorable evening, the first of many planned by Debbie Charlton and the club as they mark their big ton.

A question and answer session featuring some of the celebrities was the highlight of the night.

Former Great Britain scrum-half Deryck Fox, Noble, McNamara, Deacon, Mumby, Medley and Robbie Paul all took to the stage to roll back down Memory Lane, offering plenty of fascinating insights, reveleations and comedy moments from their Bradford careers.

An auction of Bradford Northern/ Bulls memorabilia, meanwhile, raised more than £4,000 for the Bulls Junior Development.

The top earner was the £1,350 paid for the shirt worn by Eric Batten in the 1947 Challenge Cup Final, which was fittingly bought by former Bradford Northern player Kevin Hutchinson. Hutchinson's own father was an old team-mate of the famous winger.

Video footage of past glories was shown on the big screen and the evening, which was hosted by the BBC's Dave Woods, ended with entertainment from comedian Sean Styles.

Points machine Mumby, rated one of the best full backs ever to play the game after his two decades at the club, admitted: "It was a great night and a great way to mark the centenary.

"It was nice to see some old faces, especially people like Peter Fox - the best coach I ever worked with - and Fred (Robinson) the kit man.

"I had a word with Alan and David Redfearn as well as Brian (Noble) and Robbie (Paul)."

Mumby, not always keen on the spotlight, added: "I never like doing that (Q&A) - I'm not one for speaking! - but it all went well.

"Better than I thought."

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