SHEFFIELD United star Michael Brown is returning to his former Hartlepool school as guest of honour this week.

Brown will be at High Tunstall School's ninth annual awards evening tomorrow at 7pm.

The school will celebrate the schools pass rate at GCSE, with 60 per cent of pupils gaining five or more grades A* to C.

Headteacher Ken Jones said: "We are delighted that Michael Brown is returning to his home town and former school to present awards."

Brown attended High Tunstall from 1987 to 1992 and represented the school at county level.

After leaving school he signed for Manchester City and made his Premiership debut at the age of 17, in 1995, against Queens Park Rangers.

A year later, he made his debut for England Under 21s and went on to win three further caps.

In 1998, when Hartlepool United were struggling at the foot of the Third Division, he was loaned out to his home town club to help them preserve their Football League status.

During his loan period he played six games, scored a vital goal against Darlington and helped Hartlepool avoid relegation.

Brown was voted Manchester City's Player of the Year before transferring to Sheffield United in a £400,000 deal.

His parents, Bobby and Barbara, who will be present at the awards evening, have strong connections with the town.

Bobby has been involved for many years helping to run Lion Hillcarter FC whilst Barbara is in charge of Oakesway Netball Club.