ENGLAND rugby international Dave Attwood returned to the school that set him on his way when he was the VIP at an awards evening.

The 6ft 7ins lock, who is in the process of switching from Gloucester to West Country rivals Bath, was a pupil at the former Ridings High School in Winterbourne before it became Winterbourne International Academy.

During his time at the school he shone in the discus and was chosen for the English schools' track and field championships.

After leaving in 2005, he went on to study at Bristol University but was also signed up by Bristol Rugby.

Last night he was invited back as guest speaker for the academy's annual presentation of awards to Year nine and 10 students, recognising their outstanding achievements.

Mr Attwood moved to Gloucester two years ago and won his first full international cap last November.

He is currently carrying a knee injury, sustained during the recent Churchill Cup.