THE man at the helm of a global communications and advertising agency stopped by at a County Durham school to inspire youngsters.

Greenfield Community College, in Newton Aycliffe, this month welcomed Robert Senior, worldwide chief executive officer of Saatchi and Saatchi.

The businessman, who attended Durham University, has been behind leading advertising campaigns and is recognised as a force in creative thinking.

In a lecture to pupils from the school's Newton Aycliffe and Shildon sites, he spoke of his experiences, vision for success and working hard while he encouraged them to look for something they enjoy.

Stuart Dixon, deputy headteacher, said: "Our students really enjoyed listening to Robert speak and were certainly motivated by his 'advice from an old neighbour talk.

"It was very rewarding for the students to see someone, originally from our local area, making such an impact on the world stage with a leading international company."

Mr Senior toured the school and visited tutor groups working on project around entrepreneurship.

He also spent time talking with executive headteacher David Priestley and the school's leadership team.

The visit was part of the Speakers For Schools programme.

Mr Dixon added: "The Speakers For Schools programme is a fantastic way of allowing our young people at Greenfield to hear the thoughts of some of the world leading experts in a variety of different fields.”