Tough lesson

Winifred Holtby pupils with Chris Ryan

Gulf War hero and best-selling author, Chris Ryan, went into action at Winifred Holtby School, Bransholme, with a talk to pupils about the importance of learning English and maths.
The former SAS soldier, referred to as "one of the toughest men on earth," was a member of the disastrous 'Bravo Two Zero' mission during the first Gulf War when he lost his finger and toe nails during eight days crossing the desert to avoid capture.
He has since written books about his ordeal, and is also a children's author and TV presenter.
But he left school without qualifications, and told Year 9 pupils how his life was "ten times harder" as a result.
"He thought that because he was going straight into the army he wouldn't need to learn anything in lessons, but that proved to be very wrong," said Jean Oliver, school librarian, who arranged Mr Ryan's visit to the city after writing a letter to his publisher.
"He's from a similar background to some of the kids and was able to relate to them well and motivate them. He told them how he had to spend hours learning basic maths and foreign languages after he left school because they were crucial to his job as a soldier."
Mr Ryan, who also showed pupils an SAS uniform, donated his £200 fee for the visit to buy books for the school library.

For more information about the drive to raise standards in literacy and numeracy in Hull call 300300 or visit www.hullcc.gov.uk