FORMER pupil David Wiseman has returned to Tadcaster Grammar School to tell students of his experiences when he was shot by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The former Army captain also spoke of his long recovery from the injuries he sustained in 2009 and of how he worked alongside Prince Harry at the 2016 Invictus Games for injured servicemen and women, at which he was UK Team Captain.

He won three gold medals and two silvers during the games in Florida.

A school spokeswoman said he delivered an ‘inspiring speech, recognising achievement through adversity;’ when he was guest speaker at the school’s senior awards evening, which celebrated the success of its students past and present.

Headteacher Martyn Sibley said it was a privilege to have him back at the school, adding: “David has been an inspiration to so many people. We are all incredibly proud of your achievements.”

Head boy and girl, Cabhan Conway and Eleanor Dodd, gave the vote of thanks to Mr Wiseman, who later tweeted: “Thank you. Really pleased to meet so many fantastic young people - there should be some proud parents in Tad tonight!”

Mr Sibley congratulated pupils on their achievements, saying: “Sometimes it is easy to regard school outcomes simply in terms of numbers, data and league tables but I know that these results reflect a huge amount of hard work and dedication to your studies.

“We must always remember that behind every GCSE and A Level grade there will have been considerable sacrifices, some heartache and the occasional sleepless night.

“My job is to ensure that TGS continues to be ambitious, continues to be self-reflective and self-improving and continues to deliver the very best possible learning experiences that we can for every single student.

“I consider myself very lucky to be able to have that responsibility and working with you is an absolute pleasure each and every day.”

Special prizes awarded included the Joe Lister Trophy for Sporting Achievement, which went to James Tucker.

Others were: The Drama Prize, to Hollie King, Most Enterprising Student, to Aaron Furminger, The Iain Farnsworth Trophy for Academic Achievement, to Emily Baylis, The Oglethorpe & Dawson Shield for Outstanding Performance, to Benjamin Lewis, The Governors’ Shield for Service to the School, to Jessica Render,The House Leaders’ Special Award, to Emma Booker and The Director of Sixth Form Shield, to Amy Bilbrough.