PUPILS from Cumnock Academy were left in awe after an inspiring night with Sir David Attenborough.

Representatives of the school including two S6 students were given a guest table at a Sir Tom Hunter Foundation night held in Edinburgh, where the guest speaker was the legendary wildlife broadcaster.

The school were given the privilege to attend the glitzy bash with Nicola Benedetti also starring at the event, after Sir Tom, a former pupil of the academy arranged an exclusive table.

They were joined by pupils from schools across Scotland who had won a competition set by Sir Tom Hunter.

The night was a discussion around the theme of climate change, led by one of the world’s biggest ambassadors of protecting the planet.

Head boy Gary Leitch (17) and Christie Miller (17) both attended the event and were left blown away by the atmosphere, as they took their place amongst celebrities.

Gary said: “It was really inspiring. I found it interesting to hear about his life and how he has got to where he is now.

“It was definitely one of the most amazing things I have been to from my time at school.”

Claire found the whole evening inspiring and was excited to be part of the evening.

She said: “It is brilliant just to say you have been there, it was just so inspiring.”

To coincide with the Climate Change theme, the guests were treated to vegetarian food, and they were motivated by Sir David’s view on how the planet is now paying attention to issues on global warming.

Gary added: “It was a real eye-opener to hear David Attenborough talk about climate change. He was talking about how he’s always seen problems, but why is that people are now just starting to listen. It really made us think about the planet and what is going on around us.”

The two students who are aspiring to one day teach children as primary school teachers, have vowed to take lessons from their experience into future classrooms.

Cumnock Academy teacher Mr Mitchell also attended the event, he said: “It was a fantastic night to be in the presence of such an amazing man, Mr Attenborough, it is unlikely you will ever get that chance again.”