A WAR hero and students took inspiration from each other at an annual ceremony to celebrate success.

Ex-soldier Simon Brown, who was shot in the face in Iraq, told the annual prize-giving at Catterick’s Risedale Sports and Community College: “I find it so inspiring to see so many young people achieve so much.”

The Yorkshireman was serving in Iraq and was on a mission to rescue six men from the 2nd Rifles when he was shot.

“The bullet went in one cheek and out the other taking out an eye and blinding me in another,” he recalled.

“Fortunately, I wasn’t knocked out and was able to perform my own first aid for 25 minutes. My palate had collapsed making it difficult to breathe so I pushed it back in with my thumb.

“I was put into an induced coma, which I came out of on Christmas Eve 2006. I had lost my sight, my career and, I assumed, my future.

“But while I was in the coma two of my friends were killed so I stopped being self-centred and realised I had a choice – be a victim or a survivor. I chose survivor honouring the memory of the men and women who had given their lives.”

Mr Brown was assisted by Help for Heroes and now works for Blind Veterans UK.

“I am working to help veterans of all ages rebuild their lives. My injuries have helped me be a better person and pass on what I have learnt.”

Governor Andrew Smith told the audience that this year saw the highest number of accolades ever awarded in the history of the school.

“We now have to maintain these standards ensuring the school remains as good as it is now, long into the future,” he said.