A SINGER went back to his old high school to talk and sing about bullying and how to overcome it.

Former pupil of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn, Joel Rothwell, entertained year seven, eight, and nine pupils performing his new single, Know Them.

Mr Rothwell, who went to QEGS in Year 10 after being bullied at his former school, used the performance time to speak to pupils about the importance of being an individual and how to find support if they feel they are being bullied.

Pupils from across the senior school danced, screamed and joined in with the performance, which included his own music and popular covers.

Following the performance and a Q&A, Mr Rothwell stayed to meet with each pupil signing autographs and chatting to them about his career and their own aspirations for the future.

Songwriter Mr Rothwell, who has always stayed in touch with his former teacher Mr Birtwistle, said of his move to QEGS in 2012: “When I came to QEGS, I was so impressed with the way my teachers cared for me and respected me.

“This made me want to do right by them and it’s why I chose to carry on studying here after Year 11.

“I am now using my music to help children to let them know that there is always someone to talk to if they feel they are being bullied and it was a pleasure to share this message back at QEGS today, especially on the day that my new single was released.”

The singer left QEGS in 2014 to pursue his professional music career, which has gone from strength to strength and sees him performing as headline act at Manchester’s Academy 3 in 2020.

A spokesman for the school, said: “We would like to sincerely thank Joel and his band for his time and for sharing his positive message with pupils.”

To see more from Joel and hear his new single, visit his social media channels - www.twitter.com/joelrothwell