HEREFORDSHIRE teenager Toby Upham delivered a wonderful solo performance at Monmouth School for Boys' speech day and prize-giving.

The Hereford boy sang the tear-jerking Bring Him Home as the school celebrated its spectacular production of Les Misérables from earlier this year.

"The music and drama departments provided the standout, blow-your-socks-off moment this year," said headmaster, Dr Andrew Daniel.

"Even more than this; our Les Misérables School Edition production was the absolute stand-out moment of my own career."

Herefordshire-based Mr Audley Twiston-Davies, chairman of the Board of Governors, gave an uplifting speech.

Mr Twiston-Davies said: "What is wonderful, apart from the excellent academic standards, is the terrific sport and other co-curricular activities at Monmouth.

"What is terrific about this Monmouth family of schools is the sense of community, with people helping each other and building for the future together.

"I am thankful to parents and staff who give so much to make this a very special place and a very special experience."

The guest speaker was Professor Julian Stevens, an Old Monmothian who is a specialist in laser refractive eye surgery.

He has been recognised for 20 years' innovative work in the field of ophthalmic surgery and has performed more than 18,000 treatments.

Prizes were handed out for a variety of outstanding achievements in academics, art, sport, music.