Kells, Distington and Millom will be delighted after securing home ties in the opening round of the 2018 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

The trio were in the hat for the first round of the prestigious competition, drawn tonight, along with fellow Cumbrians, Wath Brow Hornets, Hensingham and Askam.

Kells will host the British Police as they hope to continue their journey in the cup, while Distington host Leeds outfit Queens.

Scottish champions Strathmore Silverbacks make the journey to South Cumbria to take on Millom.

Wath Brow will head to Hunslet Warriors, Hensingham go to the University of Hull and Askam visit York Acorn, with the ties to be played over the weekend of January 27-28.

The draw for the first round took place live on the BBC Sport website this evening.

Conducting the draw was former Hull FC captain and back-to-back winner of the Challenge Cup Gareth Ellis, who was picking the home balls.

Away teams were drawn by England assistant coach and five-time Challenge Cup trophy winner Paul Wellens.