A Westhoughton school is set to enter Manchester United's Theatre of Dreams tomorrow - as a curtain-raiser to one of this year's biggest sporting events.

Fourgates County Primary School rugby league team will be pitched against a school from Salford before the Rugby League World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand.

Headmaster Dave Clegg, said the opportunity to play in such a high-profile event has come about through rugby league development links with Super League side Salford City Reds.

He said: "Salford have been involved with us for just 18 months and we have played teams at the Willows ground. The club really enjoy coming to Fourgates and has struck a chord with staff and pupils. So when the club was offered these two games we were immediately contacted.

"However, it is not just an achievement for the school team playing but for the whole school."

Mr Clegg, who has been involved with Salford Reds himself for around 12 years, introduced rugby league to the school around a year and a half ago.

He said: "A lot of pupils have gone on to join amateur clubs such as Westhoughton Lions and we hope it will happen again this year."

The team due to play at Old Trafford consists of both boys and girls aged between nine and 11.

Mr Clegg said that as well as meeting the New Zealand team prior to their semi-final against England last Saturday, the school's Parents Association also bought pupils a new team strip which they will wear for the first time for their game at Old Trafford.

The coach which is due to carry the team to the game is being sponsored by local firm ATS.