Youngsters from years seven, eight and nine at Gleed Boys' School were honoured for academic achievement and improvement over the school year at a ceremony at the school in Halmer Gardens.

They received certificates from Cpl Hayden, who earlier in the day had given a talk to pupils during a school assembly.

Earlier this year Cpl Hayden received the coveted Military Cross in recognition of his bravery in battle while serving in Iraq.

Headteacher Geoff Cowley said: "It was an excellent event to wrap up the year and particularly good for the pupils to be inspired by a local boy who has become a national hero.

"These awards recognise achievement at all levels of ability to reflect the fact that we are an inclusive school.

"I think we have made very good progress at the school this year and I am also looking forward to our GCSE results, which I think will be the school's best ever."