A MAN who shot to national fame after his efforts to overcome his stammer featured in a fly-on-the-wall television documentary was guest of honour at a Keighley school.

Musharaf Asghar, who first appeared in Educating Yorkshire on Channel Four in 2013, spoke at University Academy Keighley’s (UAK) annual prize-giving evening.

A UAK spokesman said: “Musharaf, who is now a motivational speaker, gave a talk in which he charted his own journey and the struggles he has overcome.

“He encouraged our students to take every opportunity that life presents, to persevere through difficult times and to find strength through their families.

“His involvement in the evening was at the request of our Student Leadership Team.

“They asked for Musharaf to participate following an event that some of our students attended in March, where he impressed them with his story of resilience.”

More than 100 UAK students received recognition at the prize-giving.

Prizes were awarded for subject progress, sporting achievement – including recognition of the school’s successful sports teams – and contribution within the school’s house system.

Awards were also presented to highlight good behaviour and conduct.

Special recognition awards from UAK’s sponsor, the University of Bradford, were presented by governor Claire Kirwin.

Students of the year received an extra mention from acting principal Sean Carragher.

Other prizes included the Drake and Tonson Foundation award for outstanding contribution to the school and The Paul Cotton Award for exceptional achievement in mathematics, given in memory of the former teacher.

The UAK spokesman added: “Keighley town mayor Councillor Fulzar Ahmed attended the event and gave the closing address, speaking to the students about taking pride in their achievements and the importance of respecting each other.

“This year’s event was hosted entirely by students. Hannan Ahmed, Maryam Hayat and Hifza Zafar led proceedings and injected humour and warmth into the evening.

“Prize-winners and their parents were also entertained with performances from students.

“Thaissa Goncalves showcased her Taekwondo skills, poets Sonia Bi, Danyal Shakil and Henna Asaf recited their own works, Radek Bily played the keyboard and Selina and Eshaan Vaheed gave a karate demonstration.”