GRAHAM Branch's testimonial year will be launched next week with a special evening at Burnley's 1882 Lounge.

Branch, who signed for Burnley on New Year's Eve 1998, was granted a testimonial in the summer after signing a one-year deal to extend his stay at Turf Moor beyond eight years.

A series of events to honour the Clarets stalwart kicks off on Thursday, October 12 with An Evening with Graham Branch'.

There will be a question-and-answer session with Branch, along with a quiz and raffle, during the event hosted by MC Jeff Brown.

Tickets are £7, including a pie and peas supper, for the event that starts at 7pm for 7.30pm.

The evening will be the only testimonial event in this calendar year, with a golf day scheduled for March 23 at Nelson Golf Club, casino night and, potentially the highlight of the testimonial year, a special match at Turf Moor.

For more details on next Thursday's event, contact Veronica Simpson on 07974 310099 or Alan Beecroft on 07976 965982.