PUPILS at The Trafalgar School in Downton were handed their annual awards by a celebrity this year.

Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellowes was guest speaker after being invited in conjunction with the Downton Society due to a historic link with the village and one of the prizes presented annually at the Trafalgar School.

In the Downton train crash of 1884, members of the local agricultural college and their principal Professor Wrightson came out to help the survivors. In recognition of this, the college was presented with a cup which was donated to the school several years ago by the Downton Society and is presented for extreme courage and bravery, as demonstrated by the agricultural students long ago.

Professor Wrightson was Lord Fellowes’ great grandfather and so he was keen to attend the evening and present the prize.

He presented it to Sam Morton for his courage and bravery in challenging himself during his school career, despite having to overcome some significant physical obstacles.

Sam achieved one A* and six As at GCSE.

At the end of the evening Lord and Lady Fellowes were presented with a hamper of items sourced from the Downton area, including books donated by the Downton History Society. They also spent a considerable amount of time chatting with staff, students and parents after the formal event was over.