COMEDY legend returned to his childhood roots in Runcorn today to make history.

John Bishop visited the site of his former school, Brookvale Comprehensive, to see the town’s 25th blue plaque in his honour.

The 50-year-old joined the Mayor of Halton and guests at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy to remember his early days.

The Mayor and Mayores of Halton Cllr Alan Lowe and Cllr Joan Lowe unveiled the plaque.

Liverpool-born John moved to Heysham Close in Murdishaw with his family when he was 11.

In 2006, he left his job as a sales director in the pharmaceutical industry to pursue a full time career as a comedian.

Stuart Allen, blue plaque co-ordinator for Runcorn and District Historical Society, said: “When I first began producing blue plaques I had determined to focus on traditional subjects such as our quarries, shipyards and tanneries.

“However the comedian John Bishop is just too big a personality to ignore.

“John is probably the most famous person ever to be associated with Runcorn.”

Dad-of-three John, married to wife Melanie, is now one of the UK’s most successful and best-loved TV comedians.

His current 2017 UK tour Winging It is sold out at most venues.

Stuart added: “As well as wanting to celebrate the fact that John is now a star I wanted to emphasise both his local connections and the incredible amount of charity work that he has carried out.

“I feel that both of these aspects are very important to him as a person.”

In 2012 John raised £4.2 million for Sport Relief by completing a 290 mile triathlon from Paris to London.

He has also supported several local charities and projects including Halton Haven Hospice and Runcorn Locks Restoration Society.

He opened an innovative micro brewery at Norton Priory, run by adults with learning difficulties.

He is helping to turn Runcorn into a flourishing tourist attraction.

John narrated a film to promote the unlocking of the Bridgewater Canal which campaigners believe could attract hundreds of visitors and transform the town.

John and Melanie are patrons of the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust which provides holidays, respite and day trips for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged youngsters.

Stuart added: “John’s success has been like a breath of fresh air for our town.”