INSPIRATIONAL sportsman Julian White, who started his rugby days at Okehampton, returned to a hero's welcome at his former club on Saturday.

A special celebration was held for the 26-year-old who played his first matches for England this summer on the team's tour of South Africa.

Julian, who is tighthead prop for London premier league side Saracens, also opened the new millennium gym at Okehampton Rugby Club and presented awards to the top players of the season.

Chairman of the rugby club Robert Barkwell said the player, who lives in London, still had strong links with Okehampton and it was a delight to see him back at his home club.

'Julian was very honoured to open the gym but I think he was a bit overcome by it all,' he said. 'I don't think he believed we would go to such lengths to make it as special as it was.

'We are all very proud of him and delighted that he has not forgotten us — he accepted the invitation to come at short notice and that speaks volumes about his attitude and commitment.'

Julian's rugby talent was obvious as a teenager and following four seasons with Okehampton he moved to Plymouth Albion then went to work in New Zealand where his rugby skills flourished.

He later signed for Bridgend in Wales before joining Saracens and after time on the benches during the Five Nations tournament Julian finally realised his dream of playing for England in South Africa where he made a strong impression.

Mr Barkwell said around 100 people joined in the celebrations at the weekend which included a buffet and disco. Young players were out in force scrambling for autographs from the England star.

Mr Barkwell said he went to see Julian in London three months ago and even though he had not achieved an England cap at the time it was apparent he had become a bit of a 'cult hero'.

'He is quite taken aback with the fact that he is regarded as such a special person,' added Mr Barkwell.

Julian was the first to try out the new extended gym which came about through the injection of £3,900 lottery cash and lots of voluntary labour.

Award winners were as follows: first team player of the year — Mark Reddaway; second team player of the year — Dave Watts; third team player of the year — Alan Holiday; most improved player — Bruce Griffiths; top try scorer — Colin Ewen; president's award — Andy Ewen; B J Barkwell award — Brenda Campbell.

For more pictures — see page 52.