Robbie Williams is to award extraordinary pupils at his former school in Stoke-on-Trent with personal messages of congratulations.

Students at St Margaret Ward Catholic School and Arts College who succeed against the odds will also receive certificates.

The former Take That star's mother, Jan, told the Sun newspaper that children who face a difficult home life or have to cope with disabilities will be honoured.

Williams currently lives in Los Angeles, where it's understood he is recording a new studio album.