The 27-year-old started his career in the youth team at Hartlepool United on a two-year scholarship. He scored his first professional goals for them within six minutes of each other in a 3-1 win over Barnet in March 2016, with his first goal of the match winning the club's Goal of the Season award. He was released by Hartlepool at the end of the 2018/19 season.

Hawkins has played for Town in the past, playing on loan at the Turnbull Ground in 2011 before more loan spells at Spennymoor Town and York City.

He has also more recently featured briefly for Blyth Spartans in the National League North, but now returns to the Northern Premier League with the Blues' management team looking forward to seeing him in action.

Hawkins - who has made 54 appearances in the Football League told whitbytownfc.com: "I'm looking to be guaranteed a full season and I know the club's got big ambitions so I want to be there to help the side move forwards.

"I'm looking forward to playing for the club again. I was young when I first came and the club helped me to develop as a player. They built me and made me stronger so now I want to come back and help the club myself.

"I know a few lads already at the club. I know Shane Bland as we live in the same area and I know just how good a keeper he is. I've been with James Martin at Hartlepool too, and also Bradley Fewster who is another good player. It's nice to know a couple of faces."