FORMER Devizes School pupil Tom Reed who knows a thing or two about competing at international level was back at his old alma mater to help youngsters celebrate sporting values.

Pupils spent all week find out about everything international and used Olympic and Paralympic values to drive home the messages of friendship, respect and courage. At the end of the week youngsters were awarded certificates for showing these virtues after a vote by staff.

On Thursday Mr Reed who won a silver medal for Judo in the 2014 Commonwealth Games was on hand to bring a new dimension to the lessons by speaking to children in Years 7 to 9 about his experiences of competing and his own time at Devizes School.

During an assembly with the help of volunteers he showed off his judo moves as he threw students on to a crash mat much to the amusement of his audience.

Later he took a sixth form PE class and then helped out with an inter-house It's A Knockout event during the lunch break. It was organised by PE teacher and head of Teresa House Colin Herring who is retiring at the end of the summer term.

School publicity officer Karen Sims said: "The event included teams of students from each house competing against each other for house points. Challenges included water bomb catching and obstacle course with a tray of drinks.

"Teresa House came out the winners, joint second Mandela and King and fourth Gandhi House. After school we were treated to Staff v 6th Form version which again was hilarious. After much cheating the competition was announced a draw.

"It was such a great week which was enjoyed by all and special thanks to Mr Herring and to Tom Reed who is living in the United Arab Emirates and was only home for a week so we really appreciate his time.

"It seem as if Colin has been here for ever and has organised many house challenges and assemblies during his time here. He will be greatly missed."