Jonathan Creaser - Trivia

1. I was at Ghyll Royd School with Colin Montgomerie...

First published on Friday 28 July 2000:

The full Monty master class...

by Alexandra Phillips

It was a case of the full Monty for pupils at a Burley school.

For golf superstar Colin Montgomerie dropped into his old school to give youngsters top tips on improving their golf swings.

The European number one hosted a golfing masterclass at Ghyll Royd School in Burley before heading off for an exhibition match at Ilkley Golf Club with European Ryder Cup captain Mark James.

Excited pupils, teachers and parents welcomed the man known as Monty to the school and treated him to a guided tour of the new building on the banks of the Wharfe.

The golfer, who took part in the Open at St Andrews last week, said it was a big thrill to return to the school and see the new building. He said: "I'm really enjoying myself. It's great to meet up with the lads like this and to see the new building and all the work involved. It's a great location and it's a great place to be."

Headteacher Jennifer Bonner said: "We are elated with the visit because Colin is our famous old boy and we foster a love of sport. The children have been very excited.

"It is the first time he has seen the new school and is amazed by the achievements. It is the culmination of hard work by parents, teachers and governors and we are glad Colin is here to see it."

Ten-year-old Rebby Tapsell, who was treated to a few shots by the master, said: "I've been really looking forward to this. It's really exciting that someone so famous went to my school."

Born in Scotland, Colin spent part of his childhood growing up in Ilkley and attended Ghyll Royd from 1970 to 1974.

Fellow old boys David Sharples, 38, and Richard Thornton, 37, were also there to welcome him and reminisce on old times.

Mr Sharples said: "Colin was a cracking sportsman and we had a good time together because Ghyll Royd was always a happy school. When Colin wasn't playing golf after school we would knock about together then."

Mr Thornton added: "It's great to see the school doing so well and the new building is fantastic. It's taking the school through to the 21st century." Following a parent buy-out during 1998, Ghyll Royd School moved to Greystone Manor, an 18th Century country house, in May this year and has more than 50 pupils. It had been located at its orginal site in Ikley for 111 years.

Parent governor Elaine Ramsey said: "This is a very historical and traditional school and for Colin to visit us is very important.

"He is a role model for the boys and we are delighted to welcome him to our new school. It gives us a sense of continuity."