A LEADING black police chief returned to his roots to give out awards to high-flying pupils at his old Enfield school.

George Rhoden, founder of the National Black Police Association, was the guest speaker at a presentation evening for year 12 students at Kingsmead School.

Mr Rhoden, a former Kingsmead pupil who has gone on to be president of the Black Law Enforcement Executive in the USA, and a Detective Inspector in the Metropolitan Police.

He made a speech during the evening, on Thursday, January 5, in the same week two men were convicted of murdering black teenager Stephen Lawrence, and spoke of the challenges he overcame through hard work and dedication of being black officer working up through the ranks in London.

Mr Rhoden and Enfield North MP Nick de Bois handed out certificates and prizes to the top performing pupils at the school.