Students past and present came face to face when two former Croydon pupils visited Fairfield Halls for an awards ceremony.

Meteorologist and former BBC weather presenter Helen Young and professional footballer and author Andy Woodman addressed the audience at the ninth Croydon Schools Awards ceremony, before presenting certificates to high-achieving key stage three and four pupils.

And those who had made an outstanding contribution to their school or to the wider community were also honoured at the event last Wednesday.

Ms Young said: "I'm delighted to be helping celebrate the successes and talents of pupils attending Croydon's schools. It's common to acknowledge academic success but this ceremony goes beyond that, looking at the whole person and acknowledging a broader spectrum of talents just as it should be."

Andy Woodman, who attended Stanley Technical High School and served his football apprenticeship at Crystal Palace, said: "Acknowledging the importance of education, I am honoured to have been asked to attend this awards ceremony in my home town having attended a Croydon school and be able to support the pupils who have worked so hard to attain personal success."

The evening was opened by Croydon Council's director of education Peter Wylie and entertainment was provided by Shirley High School and Coloma Convent Girls' School.