Adam Fawkes (19) was among students receiving certificates from poet Benjamin ZephaniahPerformance poet turned professor, Benjamin Zephaniah was the guest of honour at a presentation ceremony for Uxbridge College’s GCSE students.

The Professor of Poetry and Creative Writing at Brunel University spoke about his life then gave out achievement and attendance certificates to students.

He was joined by Dr Beverley Crooks, Uxbridge College’s Chair of Corporation, who is Professor Zephaniah’s colleague at Brunel.

Dr Alastair Mullins, Head of Uxbridge College Academy, the section of the College that teaches A levels and GCSEs, said: “This awards ceremony was made extra–special by the presence of Benjamin Zephaniah and the great energy and inspiration he brought to the room. We’re now looking forward to our GCSE students taking that away and applying it to their studies!”

Professor Zephaniah made his name as a Dub (reggae) Poet in the 1980s and also tours as a musician.