Football star Billy Jones visits his old school in Shrewsbury

Billy Jones, who plays for West Bromwich Albion, returned to Belvidere School where he was a pupil more than 10 years ago.

The defender, who started his career with Crewe Alexandra, jumped at the chance to return to his old stomping ground and give out kits to up-and-coming footballers at the school.

The Professional Footballers' Association is running a scheme to donate a kit to a team of the player's choice and 26-year-old Billy chose to donate it to his former school which gave him so many sporting opportunities.

Billy, who has also played for Preston North End, visited the Crowmere Road school yesterday to meet staff and pupils.

And his fond memories of the school remain undimmed. He said: "I remember Belvidere School with very fond memories and these remain as some of my fondest. Once you start playing football professionally it becomes a job whereas schoolboy football is a passion.

"My commitment was always to the Belvidere team, right from Year 7. When I was signed up by Crewe Alexandra for their youth academy we were told that we were not allowed to continue playing for our school teams in case of injury but I still slipped in a few sneaky games without them knowing, such was my love of school football with my mates."

And Billy, who has played internationally in England's youth sides, added: "I am delighted to be presenting this kit to Belvidere – it is a scheme run by the PFA whereby players donate a proportion of their salary to this organisation who provide kits for youth football teams across the country.

"As soon as I heard about it I was in no doubt where I wanted my kit to go – Belvidere School. It's great to be able to give something back to the place that gave me so much."

Billy still enjoys his regular trips back to Shrewsbury to see his family and friends.

Billy's coach during his time at Belvidere School, Ray Coles, said: "Billy always had great potential to be a top footballer whilst at the same time always keeping a lovely manner with everyone. He would encourage and support all of his peers both on and off the pitch, regardless of their ability."

The school's head of PE, Rayanne Barber also remembers Billy: "I was a trainee teacher at the school and sat at the back of PE lessons watching this student develop his skills both practically and academically in his GCSE PE lessons.

"It is lovely that, 11 years after leaving Belvidere, Billy has still maintained this friendly, humble attitude and it was a pleasure to welcome him back to his old school where it all began."