A RETIRED Premier League footballer who became Chelsea's player of the year has spoken about the importance of respect, courage and knowledge at a secondary school's awards ceremony.

Ken Monkou told pupils at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College about his culture shock after moving from the Netherlands to play in England and highlighted what he had learned from his experiences.

He spoke about how he regularly works with top footballers, by helping them to express positive messages.

The event saw the students, who achieved the school’s most successful set of results to date, receive certificates and prizes for their efforts in their GCSEs in the summer.

Prize winners included Lucy James won the Rotary Shield of Endeavour outstanding student award for her hard work and positive attitude.

Will Hallam received the Rory Potter Cup for his outstanding contribution to the school by taking part in numerous extracurricular activities, including rugby, the concert band, the school council and junior leadership team.

The Tom Hutton Languages Cup was won by Jamie Bailey , who achieved A* grades in French and German, taught himself GCSE Italian and gained an A*, and took extra classes in Dutch ahead of the school’s music trip to Belgium.