A professional footballer will be going back to school today to present a special award he once received.

In 2005, Aidan White was given the Jamie Payne-Ross Award at St Mary’s School, Menston, for his outstanding sporting achievement as a Year 8 (age 12 to 13) boy.

Now, six years later, Aidan plays for Leeds United and is an England youth international as he returns to St Mary’s to hand the award over to the latest recipient.

Aidan, who spent a large part of last season on loan at Oldham Athletic, has played several times for Leeds and represented England at under-19 level.

During his time at St Mary’s he was presented with the Jamie Payne-Ross Award by Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson.

David Geldart, assistant head teacher at St Mary’s, said he was delighted Aidan was returning to his old school as a professional footballer regarded as a talent for the future.

“Aidan is a great lad and a wonderful role model,” he said.

“When asked to present the award he said it would be an honour. Having won the award himself, Aidan knows more than most how important the occasion is."

The award is in memory of Jamie Payne-Ross who was killed in an accident in 1993 and was presented to the school by his mother Colleen and older brother Adam.

This year’s winner is James Cape, who has impressed staff with his performance in martial arts competitions outside school as well as showing potential in football and rugby and playing for the cricket team.

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