A RETIRED Navy officer gave a girls school a morale-boosting speech about working hard.

Pupils at Teesside High School, in Eaglescliffe, were entertained with tales by Surgeon-Commander Nigel Scott-Moncrieff, who was a guest at their speech day.

He described his 14-year career as a Royal Navy medic and working in ships all over the world.

He told his audience about meeting the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela.

Surgeon-Commander Scott-Moncrieff said he had decided on his career at the age of five, but it had taken a stern warning from his headteacher before he knuckled down to studying.

He advised the girls to take their responsibilities seriously and work hard. They could not afford to miss the opportunities that came their way while at school. If they followed this advice they would surely attain the success they deserved.

He presented more than 200 certificates and prizes to pupils.

Headteacher Thomas Packer welcomed people to the ceremony.

In his first year in the post, he looked back on 12 months of continued success and highlighted the many achievements of the girls.

"Today is about success, individual and collective success," he said. He added that he looked forward to "a very compelling and thrilling future."