GMTV presenter Ben Shephard was the special guest when Chigwell School marked the achievements of its great and good at speech day.

The morning TV presenter, and former pupil at the school, in Chigwell High Road, spoke about his time there as music scholar and what he learnt from his experience which helped him become the man he is today.

Among the awards handed out, the Tim Pruss Memorial prize went to Vanessa Albert, the Farmer organist prize to David Albon, and the Art and Design prize to Vikki Edwards. The Mitchell prize for the outstanding international student went to Jan Indracek.

The senior school service sermon was delivered by the Reverend Canon Keith Wilkinson, Conduct of Eton College, before the school choir sang Anthem by Handel, and then Mr Shephard took to the stage.

Development officer Loredana Morrison said: “His presence and speech made the event a very special and happy occasion. In particular, he told the 1,500-strong audience of a piece of advice given to him by music master Michael Bradley, which is something that still serves him well in his profession today, and that is to always strive to prepare and research well in advance in order.

“His speech was truly delightful and his charming personality won the admiration of all present. Ben is truly a wonderful advert for a Chigwell education.”