Radio One DJ Reggie Yates visits his old Finsbury school

Radio One DJ and TV presenter Reggie Yates dropped into his old school last week to join the staff and students in marking its 147th year.

Central Foundation Boys in Cowper Street, Finsbury, celebrates its founding by the Rev William Rogers each year with a prize giving ceremony recognising academic, sporting and musical achievements.

Reggie, who has just been confirmed as the co-host on new BBC One talent show The Voice alongside Holly Willoughby, left the school around 12 years ago but returned to his roots on Friday as a guest speaker for the event.

Assistant headteacher Michael Royal said: “I actually taught Reggie myself. He was a great student and always had a nice personality and that still comes across, which is why he is in the business he is in.

“The students thought it was a fantastic event and it was really great to have him there. He is such a great role model for the students, especially being an ‘old boy’ himself. He really was an inspiration and motivation for the students.

“What was very nice is that lots of them wanted to stay behind to meet him afterwards and he spent a fair amount of time speaking to the students. He was extremely personable and really happy to do it.”