A FORMER Preston pupil got more than he bargained for when he opened the Citizen last week.

International celebrity, Stephen Bayliss, pictured, was surprised tolearn that a new cul-de-sac being built near his former Ribbleton Hall High School was going to be named Bayliss Close.

Initially, acclaimed singer Stephen, 31, thought it was just a coincidence, but he asked the Citizen to check it out.

Our ace reporters were hot on the hunt to discover the truth behind the new road's name and came up with a cracking surprise for the local lad.

Not only had it been named in his honour, as a well-remembered past student, but it had also been chosen by current pupils at the Ribbleton Hall Drive school.

He said: "I'm very surprised and pleased. It is very touching because there are some teachers at the school who I respect and look up to. It's nice that I'm remembered."

Other acclaimed Ribbleton Hall High School pupils include England cricketer Andy Flintoff. While there is a Flintoff Way, near Sainsbury's, in Deepdale, it was not named after the famous sportsman.

The new road will consist of sheltered housing accommodation for Wyre Housing Association.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.