Sir Ian at school 10/12/10

AWARD-WINNING actor Sir Ian McKellen paid a visit to a secondary school in Gravesend, Kent, to promote anti-bullying last December.

Sir McKellen, most famous for his work in theatre and his role as Gandalf the wizard in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, hopes by talking in schools across England he can tackle and reduce the levels of homophobic bullying in the education system.

Saint George’s Church of England school, were privileged by the visit from Sir McKellen and the students were thrilled by the actor’s appearance. Pupil Charles Knight aged 14 said: “It was really exciting to meet Sir Ian McKellan as he is in some of my favourite films and he was very easy to talk to.”

Head teacher, Anne Southgate said: “Sir Ian was very impressed by the quality of dialogue he had with our students and on leaving wrote a kind message complementing the school and the students for their cooperation and confidence when expressing their views.”

The 71 year old told the Guardian: “By talking frankly about my own life as a gay man and listening to the concerns of staff and students, parents and governors, I hope the visits arranged by Stonewall may make a difference in the classroom and the playground and also give confidence to gay students about their lives in the future.’