MASTERCHEF judge Gregg Wallace handed out prizes at Canterbury High School - then dashed off for a celebrity-studded party in London.

He presented his award for hospitality and catering to Jessica Siggers and his retail prize went to Alison Johnson.

After telling pupils how they needed to work hard to succeed the former barrow boy drove off to PR guru Matthew Freud's Christmas party to rub shoulders with Faversham Live Aid hero Bob Geldof, TV mogul Sir David Frost, comedian Stephen Fry and Radio Two DJ Chris Evans.

Gregg, who has homes in Whitstable and London, was asked to the school's prize night by his friend, business studies teacher Clive Packham.

The 44-year-old food boss, who had his girlfriend, Heidi Brown, 27, in tow, told the Times: "I did this as a favour for my mate Clive. I'm supposed to be at Liz Murdoch's party. Last year I was there with Bono and Mick Jagger."

Miss Murdoch is married to Matthew Freud and is the daughter of Rupert Murdoch, publisher of The Sun and News of the World.

Meanwhile, at the school, Dean Jordan, 17, won the Brian Wickham prize for overall achievement in honour of deputy head teacher Brian Wickham, who died two years ago from cancer.

Dean said: "It was a surprise for me. It is an honour to receive the award. Mr Wickham was a good man. He did a lot for this school. I'm very glad to have won it."

Joel Baddiley, 17, won the Canterbury Christ Church University award for making the greatest progress in Key Stage Four. He said: "I'm well chuffed I've been given this."

Principal Phil Karnavas, said: "Although tonight is a celebration of individual successes and achievements, it is also a celebration of the whole campus as a learning community."

He told students: "I hope that just as the Canterbury campus is trying to contribute to its community that you, too, will contribute to yours."

Entertainment was provided by pupils. Samba Pa Ti was performed by Gavin Dodd, Frances Sherwood, Charlie North-Beney, Nathan Browne and Jack Gibbins-Lowe and Revolution was sung by Amie Baker and the year 12 BTEC performing arts students.

All Sit Down was performed Philip Wilkinson, Gavin Dood, Charlie North-Beney and Jack Gibbins-Lowe and Christmas (Baby please come home) was performed by Morgan Neirinckx and Christina Fasoli.

Alone was performed by Emily Royles, Charlotte Clifford, Gavin Dodd, Charlie North-Beney and Jack Gibbins Lowe.