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
5. Tom Barkhuizen - Blackpool
Tom Barkhuizen was born in Blackpool in July 1993. He's played as a forward for Blackpool, Preston, Morecambe and Derby County. | Getty Images Photo: Getty
6. Ronnie Clayton - Preston
Ronnie Clayton was born in Preston, but went on to become a Blackburn footballing hero - making nearly 600 apperances for Rovers. He was alsp capped 35 times for England. Ronnie Clayton died in 2010 aged 76. | PA Photo: PA
7. Adam Nowland - Preston
Adam Nowland was born in Preston in July 1981. Nowland started his career at Blackpool in 1998 where he made his professional debut at the age of 17. When he scored the first of his six League goals for the club, on 19 September, he became the youngest Blackpool player ever to score a League goal. | Dawen Castle Photo: Dawn Castle
8. Sir Tom Finney and his statue at Preston North End's Deepdale ground.
Arguably England's greatest footballer, Sir Tom Finney was born in Preston in 1922, and played for PNE all of his career. He played for England 76 times, scoring 30 goals. | National World Photo: NW