A Bafta award winning director visited his old school this week to inspire students at their presentation evening.

Armed with his prestigious trophy, James Gurden spoke to youngsters at the St Edwards Church of England School and Sixth Form in London Road, Romford about his journey.

He won the Bafta for his CBBC children’s TV show Operation Ouch, and has also worked on Britain’s Secret Shoppers and My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.

He told attentive students not to be worried about making mistakes and to embrace their mistakes.

Exams officer Carolyn Carter said: “He was a really nice guy and was happy to have his picture taken by all the parents and students. He also mentioned a couple of the teachers who had an impact on him.”