HOMEGROWN England rugby international Mike Ellery returned to Penrith.

Mike and his England 7s team mate Dan Bibby were invited to show off their dancing skills during a visit to the town’s North Lakes School.

They answered questions from pupils of the Huntley Avenue junior school before making the short trip to Ullswater Community College to be guests of honour at its annual Prize Day.

Mike’s father Nick is headteacher of the college and mum Dawn, a former England sprinter, is its special educational needs coordinator.

Mike and Dan shared their secrets of success and children – who welcomed the pair by performing their song ‘Spirit of the North’ - were encouraged to develop key attitudes including Don’t Give Up, Push Yourself and Try New Things.

Tabitha Payne, aged nine, asked them: “Did you ever want to give up?”

Both men recounted times in their careers where they experienced major setbacks and how they had found the resilience to carry on. Mike also discussed the spirit of rugby and how international players have a code of honesty, tolerance and forgiveness.

Dan also took along his silver medal from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics to show the children.

Abi Lancaster, eight, asked: “Can you floss?”. Dan duly obliged, joined by Mike and Abi.

Mike , who started his rugby career as a 12-year-old with Penrith Rugby Club, has had two spells playing for England 7s, including winning a silver medal in the 2013 and 2018 World Championships.