WIDNES Vikings inducted Martin Offiah, Kurt Sorensen and Ernie Swinton into the club’s official Hall of Fame on Friday to extend the elite group to 16 members.

The night was presented to a packed Marquee Suite by BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster Steve Roberts, with over 300 people in attendance. Offiah received his award from fellow Hall of Fame member Jim Mills, while Sorensen was presented his award by Barbara Karalius, the wife of club legend Vince Karalius.

Ernie Swinton, who played 84 times for the club before giving his life for his country in the First World War, was honoured by a donation to the Royal British Legion in recognition of his service.

Offiah said: “It’s a proud moment for me to be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame and I want to thank Widnes for the opportunity they gave me all those years ago.

“Without Dougie Laughton giving me that opportunity I would never have achieved what I did in the sport of rugby league.”

Sorensen added: “Widnes became a second home to me during my years with the club and it was great to be back in the town receiving this prestigious award.

“To have my name alongside some of the club’s most famous players is an incredible achievement and I want to thank everyone for coming along to celebrate what was a great evening.”

Widnes Hall of Fame: Mick Adams, Mick Burke, Keith Elwell, Fred Higgins, Jimmy Hoey, Arthur Johnson, Vince Karalius, Doug Laughton, Tommy McCue, Harry Millington, Jim Mills, Frank Myler, Nat Silcock, Martin Offiah, Kurt Sorensen, Ernie Swinton.