Author and poet Hussain Manawer visited the Priory Community School Academy, inspiring hundreds of students and staff.

He was also interviewed by Jill Dando Journalists.

The school audience came to understand Mr Manawer's journey that began with a passion for rhythmic lyricism at the age of 15.

It was revealed that his debut collection, Life Is Sad And Beautiful, ascended to The Sunday Times Charts on release and sold over 10,000 copies within the first few months.

This achievement earned him the title of being the first British Pakistani poet to hold such a position.

Mr Manawer's book, published in May 2022, delves into his personal battles with depression, anxiety and the profound loss of his mother.

Subsequently, Life Is Sad And Beautiful has been incorporated into the UK’s Key Stage 3 and 4 National Curriculum.

Mr Manawer said: "It was great to be at the school.

"I also had an incredible interview with the Jill Dando Journalists.

"It is really enlightening to see young people taking story selling and journalism so seriously.

"We need more kindness, we need more good news, our planet needs it now more than ever, and the future is in the hands of our young people."

Hussain Manawer's extraordinary career has seen him perform poetry in several unique locations, even so far up as the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

He has had the honour of meeting prime ministers and royalty, including Prince Charles and Prince William, the latter asking him to perform a poem to open the FA Cup final during lockdown.

Turning his passion and talent into advocacy, he created a Guinness World Record for the World's Largest Mental Health Lesson in collaboration with professor Dame Til Wykes from King's College London and the Hackney Empire in 2017.

Further recognition came in 2018 when he was awarded the Point of Light award by prime minister Theresa May.

Engaging with the students at Priory Community School Academy, Mr Manawer admitted to struggling with certain subjects whilst in school, yet also developed his love for poetry during his time in year nine.

Despite failing his GCSEs, he would continue to follow his dream of becoming a poet.