A FORMER premiership footballer has attended a North Yorkshire school presentation ceremony.

Ken Monkou, a retired Dutch footballer who has represented Feyenoord Rotterdam, Chelsea and Southampton, was guest speaker at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College.

He was at its presentation evening for students who took their GCSE exams last summer - achieving the school’s most successful set of results to date.

Mr Monkou now regularly works with footballers in the premiership, helping support them in putting out a positive image and message, told students stories of the culture shock he found when moving to play in England, and talked about his experiences.

Prize winners included Will Hallam, recipient of the Rory Potter cup, awarded each year to a student who has made an outstanding contribution to the school fulfilling his academic potential and acting as a role model to other students through his exemplary behaviour and attitude.

Jamie Bailey was the recipient of the Tom Hutton Languages Cup and Lucy James won the Rotary Shield of Endeavour, for her hard work and positive attitude.