HE'S known to millions of people across the world for his achievements in boxing and as a sports commentator, and North-East star Glenn McCrory made close to 600 new fans when he visited a local school 10 years ago.

The County Durham boxer, who famously won the IBF world cruiserweight division during a glittering career, visited Ponteland Middle School through his role as Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland.

McCrory brought with him 18-year-old boxer Akaash Hussain, who had the London 2012 Olympics in his sights, as the duo gave an assembly to 580 schoolchildren, ahead of a special boxing masterclass for four lucky pupils.

Hussain also demonstrated his potential to an alert audience, showcasing his fast feet through skipping and shadow boxing drills.

While there, they promoted the new Glenn McCrory Foundation which was an academy set up to help young, up-and-coming boxers realise their full potential.

The visit from McCrory and Hussain marked the school's Heroes fund-raising efforts, which saw pupils dress up as their favourite heroes.

As a result of their efforts, more than £1,300 was raised for military charity, Help for Heroes.

While visiting the pupils, McCrory also took the opportunity to meet up with headteacher Dr Caroline Pryer, who had also been named a Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland.

She said: "Glenn was utterly inspirational and the children were thrilled with the visit. It was an honour and a privilege to have Glenn in the school for the hour that he was with us. The children were interested and were hanging on his every word, and the display from Akaash was superb."