YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club’s Player of the Year returned to his old school to help inspire current students.

Ben Coad, who was recently named Yorkshire Members’ Player, Players’ Player and Young Player of the Year, was the guest speaker at Thirsk School’s presentation evening.

Mr Coad, a seam bowler, gave an inspiring speech to youngsters at the prize-giving ceremony, where top-performing students in all subject areas were recognised.

Among the award-winners on the evening were Sebastian Fatz and Wilf Tomlinson who took the Rory Potter Cup for services to the school community and Sam Acheson and Lewis Bendelow who won the Tom Hutton Languages Cup.

Mr Coad, who graduated from the school in 2012 presented the awards and gave a motivational speech.