Herefordshire teenager Toby Upham delivered a wonderful solo performance at Monmouth School for Boys’ Speech Day and Prize-Giving.

The Hereford boy sang the tear-jerking Bring Him Home as the school celebrated its spectacular production of Les Misérables from earlier this year.

“The Music and Drama Departments provided the standout, blow-your-socks-off moment this year,” said Headmaster, Dr Andrew Daniel, on Saturday, July 7th.

“Even more than this; our Les Misérables School Edition production was the absolute stand-out moment of my own career.”

Herefordshire-based Mr Audley Twiston-Davies, Chairman of the Board of Governors, gave an uplifting speech.

Mr Twiston-Davies said: “What is wonderful, apart from the excellent academic standards, is the terrific sport and other co-curricular activities at Monmouth. What is terrific about this family of schools is the sense of community, with people helping each other and building for the future together.

“I am thankful to parents and staff who give so much to make this a very special place and a very special experience.”

The guest speaker was Professor Julian Stevens, an Old Monmothian who is a specialist in laser refractive eye surgery.

He has been recognised for 20 years’ innovative work in the field of ophthalmic surgery and has performed more than 18,000 treatments.

Prizes were handed out for a variety of outstanding achievements in academics, art, sport and music.

Meanwhile, the record try-scorer in Welsh Rugby Union history received a special mention at Monmouth School Boys’ Prep’s annual Prize-Giving.

Winger, Shane Williams, the former British and Irish Lion, who scored 58 tries in 87 appearances for Wales, was the inspiration behind Head Boy, Toby Crewe-Read’s, year in office.

“When I thought about the type of Head Boy I wanted to be, I thought about leadership in sport and my mind turned inevitably to rugby and about rugby players,” said Toby, who delivered am uplifting speech on Friday, July 6th.

“What made him (Shane Williams) great was the size of his heart, the power of his ambition and the strength of his character.”

Toby also presented a cheque for £6,428.09 to his chosen charity, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, after a series of fund-raising events throughout the year.

Guest speaker, Lieutenant General Tim Radford CB DSO OBE, who has enjoyed a decorated 35-year career in the British Army, gave a fascinating and captivating talk about the importance of teamwork and the values of leadership.

The school delighted guests with songs from their excellent all-school production of Oliver! and scenes which featured Ollie Charles as Oliver, Samuel Rees as Noah Claypole and Freddy Potts as Fagin.

Prizes were handed out to the boys by the First Warden of The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, Mr James Kininmonth, for a variety of outstanding achievements.