MONMOUTH pupils were told to “be brave, take risks and always treat everyone they meet with kindness and respect” at an end of year Speech Day event on Saturday.

The television presenter and writer, Kate Humble, who runs the Humble by Nature farm at Penallt, was addressing pupils at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls and also helped to present prize-winning pupils with their awards.

Ms Humble called upon her incredible deep sea adventures in a cramped, “dustbin-like” yellow submarine and encounters with a very rarely seen six-gilled shark to illustrate the importance of seizing exciting opportunities.

During her inspiring speech, the Lambing Live presenter told pupils that whilst she doesn’t have a degree, skills and experiences count in helping to get a job.

She added: “Never think you are more important or better or cleverer than anyone else.”

“People are always as important as you are and worth treating well, because one day your life might be in their hands.”

Parents, pupils, staff and governors watched as prizes for outstanding achievements, progress and efforts in subjects ranging from maths to music, and from drama to sport and academia were given out.

Caroline Pascoe, headmistress of HMSG, had written her own chapter of Harry Potter, weaving in beloved members of staff from the school as recognised characters from the Bewitching series.

There were performances by the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, soprano Lucy Rees and the HMSG.