GUESTS at tomorrow night’s Echo-backed South Coast Business Awards will be able to discuss England’s World Cup performances with hero of 1966 Sir Geoff Hurst.

Sir Geoff – still the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final – will be the guest of honour at the gala ceremony be held at the Hilton at the Ageas.

Fifty-two years on from his Wembley exploits Sir Geoff, 76 is still very much in demand as a motivational speaker and he told the Echo: “I am delighted to be speaking at the awards night, supporting local business within the surrounding area.”

After his soccer career, Geoff Hurst became a successful businessman, working in the insurance industry.

Already an MBE, he was knighted in 1998 for services to football.

Thanks to the success of Gareth Southgate’s squad in Russia, Sir Geoff and the surviving boys of 66 have seen their profile soar over the past fortnight.

Sir Geoff’s goals have been re-shown repeatedly and anyone watching the video of Baddiel and Skinner’s Three Lions will have spotted him in the pub scene.

Friday night’s awards sponsored by Trethowans will be compered by the law firm’s senior partner Simon Rhodes.

Details of the seven category winners and the overall winner of the Trethowans Busines of the Year will appear with pictures from the evening in Tuesday’s business section.

The 2018 awards are run in partnership with Destination Southampton, Business South and Santander.