England ace Joe Hart makes Shrewsbury return to open club

England goalkeeper Joe Hart thrilled young football fans when he returned to his home county of Shropshire.

The Manchester City star visited Castle Country Club at Rowton, near Shrewsbury, yesterday to officially mark the completion of a £500,000-plus renovation.

The 24 year old, who started his career with his home town club Shrewsbury Town, said it was great to be back.

"I don't get back all that often because I'm kept pretty busy in Manchester but it is always great when I do. Shrewsbury's a beautiful place and I still have a lot of friends here," he said.

"Getting my break with Shrewsbury was certainly one of the highlights of my career," recalled Joe, who added that his England debut and winning the FA Cup at Wembley with Manchester City last May were others.

After being welcomed by Castle Country Club owner Jonathan Green and cheering children and club members, Joe was given a tour of the new-look complex by general manager Daryl Parry.

He then spent nearly two hours chatting to fans, signing autographs and posing for family photographs. "It has been an absolutely fantastic evening and Joe has been brilliant," said Daryl.

Those thoughts were echoed by club member and student Will Lloyd, 17, who said: "It was a bit surreal to meet someone face to face who you only see on the television. It was an unbelievable evening, absolutely great."