A world record-holding county star is looking forward to the return of his autobiographical show at The Brunton next month.

Tranent’s George McNeill, who holds the world record for the fastest 110-metre sprint, will return to the Musselburgh venue after a hugely successful appearance there last summer.

George told the Courier: “I had the idea last summer – I’ve done after-dinner speaking for long enough and I wanted to do something a bit different.

“I use a projector to show newspaper cuttings and archive footage of me running and tell them my story.” An impressive sporting career started as a footballer, as George signed for Hibernian at the age of 16 before turning his back on the beautiful game to take up athletics.

Having previously performed as a professional footballer, though, he was barred from entering the Commonwealth or Olympic Games as an amateur, but went on to set the record time at Meadowbank in 1972.

And next month he will re-tell the story of his successful sprint.

He added: “I’ll tell my story from the beginning and about when I broke the record and how the establishment refused to take it on.

“The people of Tranent recognised it, and presented me with an OMEGA watch at a presentation in the Tranmare.

“When you run, they always announced your town, which is where the ‘McNeill of Tranent’ comes from.” And he is keen to build on the success of his August performance.

“I had the smaller theatre in the summer and that sold out over a month before the event, and now I’ve taken the big hall, which holds about 500 people.

“Ticket sales are going well – I’m not sure how many tickets they [The Brunton, in Musselburgh] have sold, but I’m hopeful it will sell-out again.” And the 67-year-old has set his sights on a greater challenge.

He added: “My aim is to sell out the main auditorium at The Brunton, which I consider to be a terrific venue and ideally placed for my show.

“My intention is to perhaps take it to some of the Border venues, where pro-running is strong, and then maybe a run during the Edinburgh Festival.” George also thanked two local youngsters for their behind-the-scenes help with the production.

He said: “I have been helped on the technical side by two young guys who are currently studying at the Royal Conservatoire of music and drama in Glasgow, Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse.

“Robbie is from Port Seton and is the grandson of former East Lothian Provost Pat O’Brien, and they have both been a great help to me.” The one-off show takes place on Wednesday, February 18, and tickets are available from The Brunton.

Anyone interested should call 0131 665 2240.