Screen icon Sir Ian McKellen cast his spell over Eltham pupils with a powerful message about homphobic bullying yesterday (September 18).

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The actor, best known to youngsters for his part as Gandalf the wizard, swapped Middle Earth for Eltham Hill School, speaking to the pupils in his role as an ambassador for anti-homophobia charity Stonewall.

Eltham Hill has signed up to Stonewall's school champions programme, clamping down on homophobic bullying and abuse to create a safer learning environment.

Sir Ian McKellen, who has visited schools around the country for the past five years, answered questions from students about bullying and also about his career.

During the day, pupils presented him with a cake and a bay tree.

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Principal  Madeleine Griffin said "It was such a pleasure to have Sir Ian McKellen visit Eltham Hill School.  He is truly a great and inspirational speaker who is passionate about equality issues in particular in the lesbian, gay and bisexual community.  

"We are so proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to have him visit our school, through Stonewall. Sir Ian McKellen was bowled over by our students and thoroughly enjoyed his morning with us."