Students from Bushey Meads School were left stunned last week, after a visit by Olympic Gold medallist Martin Cross.

The rower, who secured gold alongside Sir Steve Redgrave at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, attended the school in Coldharbour Lane on Tuesday for its annual prize-giving.

In his address to the proud award winners and their parents Mr Cross spoke of finding something you are good at and enjoy, and of persevering with this talent. He described the determination necessary, not only for an athlete, but also of the London 2012 Olympic committee to ensure that there is a legacy for the future and he highlighted the fact that the young people in front of him were the future.

According to staff, Mr Cross made the occasion particularly memorable, not just because of his speech, but because he allowed students to handle and be photographed with his gold and bronze medals.

Keith Douglas, headteacher, said: "It is always a pleasure to see the students receive these well deserved awards.

"This year we also issued a new award which the students had requested.

"This was in memory of Lewis Browning, one of our physical impaired students who passed away last Autumn following unsuccessful treatments for cancer. "Lewis was a great friend to so many students in the school and therefore it seemed fitting that we should have awards for the "best friends" in the school. "I would like to congratulate all the award winners - you deserve this accolade - well done."

A total of 130 students were given prizes, including Katie Waite, Year 13 student, who was presented with the Headteacher’s Award to acknowledge her positive contribution to the school and its extra-curricular activities throughout her time at Bushey Meads. Matthew Hine, Sixth Form leaver, was awarded the Governors Award for his outstanding musical contribution to the school.