A ST Helens rugby fan is to host the third round draw of a prestigious Rugby League Cup - from his living room.

Keith Hopwood, aged 51, from Newton, will stage the draw of rugby league's most historic tournament - the Carnegie Challenge Cup - in his semi-detached house after winning a national competition.

It was organised by the sport's governing body and offered entrants the opportunity to also pick out the home teams in the draw which, in this round, features clubs from The Co-operative National Leagues.

The warehouse operative will receive a visit from a number of familiar faces from the world of rugby league and will receive two tickets to this year's final on August 30.

He said: "I can't believe I've won, it's totally superb. Not for one moment did I think I'd win the opportunity to stage the draw in the comfort of my own living room. It's totally brilliant."

He added: "I'm a massive Saints fan and was there at Wembley last year when my favourite Saints player Keiron Cunningham lifted the famous trophy.

"To host the draw will be pretty amazing and it's going to be surreal to have the trophy in my living room for the day, but I just can't wait."

It is expected that the draw, taking place today, Thursday, will be broadcast on the BBC's North West Tonight programme and several radio stations.