There was a surprise in store at morning assembly on Wednesday for Prince Henry's Grammar School pupil Larissa Chapman.

Yorkshire's leading cross-country and road athlete Ian Fisher turned up to make a special presentation to her after being impressed with her grit and determination in Saturday's West Yorkshire Cross-Country League race at Keighley.

Ian, who won the men's race, was drawn to the gritty display of Larissa who lost a running shoe in the deep mud in the early part of the course. Despite the course being frozen in parts undaunted Larissa continued to the end minus her shoe to finish as first counter for Prince Henry's.

She refused to let the course beat her although it made some sections of the course almost impassable for her. She finished in 19th place and her courage and determination in the face of adversity caught the eye of Ian Fisher.

With the permission of his employers, Shipley Paint, Ian turned up at the school on Wednesday to present Larissa with some gift vouchers.

He said: "I noticed a determined Larissa sticking it out, despite being very upset. I am proud of what she's done because people generally just give up in that situation."