A Preston-raised footballer will be playing in the Europa League next season.
AFC Bournemouth defender James Hill was brought up in the city and attended Highfield Priory School in Fulwood, when his dad Matt played for Preston North End between 2005 and 2008.
Now the 24-year-old has established himself in the Premier League and will take on the best in Europe, after Bournemouth finished sixth and qualified for the UEFA competition for the first time in their history.
James’ former school has shared its pride in his success. On social media Highfield Priory said: “Everyone is incredibly proud to congratulate former pupil James Hill and AFC Bournemouth on qualifying for the Europa League for the first time in the club's history!
“This season has been a breakthrough year for James, making 28 Premier League appearances and contributing three assists. Since returning to the starting XI in December, he has become a key part of Bournemouth's defence, helping the club through a remarkable unbeaten run on their journey to European football.
“From the pitches of Highfield Priory to the European stage, James continues to be an inspiration to our pupils and school community. Congratulations, James. We wish you every success in this exciting new chapter!”
Take a look at the pages below for 14 more footballing stars who call Lancashire home.
. Matt Hill
Defender Matt Hill joined Preston North End in 2005. During three years with the club he made 105 appearances and being voted the Preston fans' Player of the Year during the 2006-07 season | Local Library
1. Kevin Kilbane, Preston
Born and raised in Preston, Kevin Kilbane came through the North End academy in the early '90s and made around 50 appearances for the club before departing for West Brom in 1997 for a then-record fee for Albion of £1m. He went on to make over 500 professional appearances as well as 110 international caps for Ireland. | Pete Norton Photo: Pete Norton
2. Clarke Carlisle -Preston
Clarke Carlisle was born in Preston in 1979. He attended Balshaw's Church of England High School where he attained 10 A-grades at GCSE and studied mathematics and politics at A-level. As a defender, he played for a host of teams as a defender, including Blakcpool, Burnley, QPR and Preston. | ADRIAN DENNIS Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
3. Joe Garner - Blackburn
Joe Garner was born in Blackburn in 1988. He started his career with Blackburn Rovers before joining Carlisle United. Garner had a three-year spell with Preston North End, where he made over 150 appearances and won the 2015 Football League One play-off final. Garner has also played for Wigan Athletic and now plays for Oldham Athletic. | Getty Images Photo: Getty
4. Phil Jones - Preston/Leyland
Phil Jones was born in Preston, grew up in nearby Clayton-le-Woods and attended Balshaw's CE High School in Leyland. He made his name at Blackburn Rovers before moving to Manchester United, and representing England. He is currently a free agent. Photo: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images