One of the most famous faces in British football took to the stage last night during a surprise visit to a school awards ceremony.

Former students of Epping St John’s School, who left in July this year, returned to the new building in Bury Lane to collect their GCSE certificates from QPR manager Harry Redknapp.

Headteacher of the school, George Yerosimou, said that the guest speaker was a treat for the young people who had achieved the best GCSE results the school has ever seen.

He said: “Harry gave out the certificates and other awards.

“He spoke to the audience about hard work and dedication and he had his photo taken with anybody who wanted it.

“It was a fantastic evening. The students and their parents really enjoyed it.”

A separate award was given to chairman of governors Mike Rigelsford who is retiring from the school board after 13 years.